Psalms 17:14
From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
Study Note
Study Note
Psalm 17 is a prayer of protest-innocence in which the psalmist appeals to divine examination of conscience (v. 3) and petitions for protection against violent enemies, here described as 'men of the world' (metim mecheled). The verse characterizes worldly men by their portion in 'this life' — a materialist existence whose fullness is precisely its limitation — and whose children inherit their substance but no lasting legacy. Commentators in the wisdom tradition read the verse as an implicit contrast with the psalmist's own portion in verse 15: 'I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied with your likeness.' The patristic and medieval exegetes developed the resurrection resonance of that final verse, making Psalm 17 a text for reflection on eternal versus temporal reward.
Other Translations
From men by thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, whose portion is inthislife, And whose belly thou fillest with thy treasure: They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
From men, Thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, their portion <FI>is<Fi> in life, And <FI>with<Fi> Thy hidden things Thou fillest their belly, They are satisfied <FI>with<Fi> sons; And have left their abundance to their sucklings.
With your hand, O Lord, from men, even men of the world, whose heritage is in this life, and whom you make full with your secret wealth: they are full of children; after their death their offspring take the rest of their goods.
Cross References
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he …
They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, …
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, …
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in …
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but …
Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.