EGW WritingsPsalms 17

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 159, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 159, 1905, par. 8

“Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. Let my sentence come forth from Thy presence; let Thine eyes behold the things that are equal. Thou hast proved mine heart; Thou hast visited me in the night; Thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. ... Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. I have called upon Thee; for Thou wilt hear me, O God; incline Thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.” [Psalm 17:1-3, 5, 6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 191, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 191, 1902, par. 3

“Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal. Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God; incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Show thy lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me under the shadow of thy wings.” [Psalm 17:1-8.]

The Upward Look

Prayer in the Night Season, December 2

UL 350.1

Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. Psalm 17:3.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Choice of Reading

CT 121.3

Let the youth be taught to give close study to the word of God. Received into the soul, it will prove a mighty barricade against temptation. “Thy word,” the psalmist declares, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 119:11; 17:4.

From Heaven With Love

Intemperance Corrupts Morals

HLv 75.2

How this is accomplished, Christ has shown us. By what means did Christ overcome Satan? By the Word of God. “It is written,” He said. And every promise in God’s Word is ours. See 2 Peter 1:4. When assailed by temptation, look to the power of the Word. All its strength is yours. See Psalms 119:11; 17:4.

Education

Chapter 20—Bible Teaching and Study

Ed 190.1

Let the youth, then, be taught to give close study to the word of God. Received into the soul, it will prove a mighty barricade against temptation. “Thy word,” the psalmist declares, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 119:11; 17:4.

In Heavenly Places

Children the Objects of God’s Special Care, July 27

HP 215.5

Let the youth be taught to give close study to the Word of God. Received into the soul, it will prove a mighty barricade against temptations. “Thy word,” the psalmist declares, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” “By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer” (Psalm 119:11; 17:4).35The Review and Herald, October 5, 1911.

Temperance

Chapter 2—Conversion the Secret of Victory

Te 107.3

Bid the tempted one look not to circumstances, to the weakness of self, or to the power of temptation, but to the power of God’s word. All its strength is ours. “Thy word,” says the psalmist, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 119:11; 17:4.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 30—The World’s Need

6T 259.2

In this work of restoration much painstaking effort will be required. No startling communications of strange doctrines should be made to these souls; but as they are helped physically, the truth for this time should be presented. Men and women and youth need to see the law of God with its far-reaching requirements. It is not hardship, toil, or poverty that degrades humanity; it is sin, the transgression of God’s law. The efforts put forth to rescue the outcast and degraded will be of no avail unless the claims of the law of God and the need of loyalty to Him are impressed on mind and heart. God has enjoined nothing that is not necessary to bind up humanity with Him. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.... The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” “By the word of Thy lips,” says the psalmist, I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 19:7, 8; 17:4.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 12—The Temptation

DA 123.4

And how this is accomplished, Christ has shown us. By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan? By the word of God. Only by the word could He resist temptation. “It is written,” He said. And unto us are given “exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4. Every promise in God’s word is ours. “By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” are we to live. When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the word. All its strength is yours. “Thy word,” says the psalmist, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 119:11; 17:4.

The Ministry of Healing

Disappointments; Dangers

MH 181.2

Bid the tempted one look not to circumstances, to the weakness of self, or to the power of temptation, but to the power of God’s word. All its strength is ours. “Thy word,” says the psalmist, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 119:11; 17:4.

Welfare Ministry

Chapter 31—Working for Outcasts

WM 247.2

In this work of restoration much painstaking effort will be required. No startling communications of strange doctrines should be made to these souls, but as they are helped physically the truth for this time should be presented. Men and women and youth need to see the law of God with its far-reaching requirements. It is not hardship, toil, or poverty that degrades humanity; it is sin, the transgression of God’s law. The efforts put forth to rescue the outcast and degraded will be of no avail unless the claims of the law of God and the need of loyalty to Him are impressed on mind and heart. God has enjoined nothing that is not necessary to bind up humanity with Him. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.... The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” “By the word of Thy lips,” says the psalmist, “I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 19:7, 8; 17:4.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Restoring the Fallen

2TT 497.1

In this work of restoration much painstaking effort will be required. No startling communications of strange doctrines should be made to these souls; but as they are helped physically, the truth for this time should be presented. Men and women and youth need to see the law of God with its far-reaching requirements. It is not hardship, toil, or poverty that degrades humanity; it is sin, the transgression of God’s law. The efforts put forth to rescue the outcast and degraded will be of no avail unless the claims of the law of God and the need of loyalty to Him are impressed on mind and heart. God has enjoined nothing that is not necessary to bind up humanity with Him. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. ... The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” “By the word of Thy lips,” says the psalmist, “I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 19:7, 8; 17:4.

Conflict and Courage

Two of a Kind, April 18

CC 114.5

One cherished sin will, little by little, debase the character, bringing all its nobler powers into subjection to the evil desire. The removal of one safeguard from the conscience, the indulgence of one evil habit, one neglect of the high claims of duty, breaks down the defenses of the soul and opens the way for Satan to come in and lead us astray. The only safe course is to let our prayers go forth daily from a sincere heart, as did David, “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not” (Psalm 17:5).24Patriarchs and Prophets, 451, 452.

From Eternity Past

Balaam Loses All He Tried to Gain

EP 319.2

One cherished sin will, little by little, debase the character. The indulgence of one evil habit breaks down the defenses of the soul and opens the way for Satan to lead us astray. The only safe course is to pray, as did David, “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” Psalm 17:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 6, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 6, 1889, par. 15

He who has Christ abiding in his heart will so order his conversation as to bring no dishonor or reproach on the sacred truth of God. He will give no occasion to its enemies to blaspheme, will not be filled with self-confidence, but his confidence will be in God. He will not be revealing inconsistencies that are not in harmony with the precious truth of sacred origin. He will not be found going to extremes and furnishing scandal to be circulated far and near in the most exaggerated form. He must be a man that holds communion with God, a man that prays and does not pray in vain: “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” Psalm 17:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 22, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 22, 1893, par. 16

It becomes every soul to distrust himself, to watch and to pray. O, how much need had you, Brother Gage, when at Petoskey to have made one in that meeting from commencement to the close. How much need have you to pray every hour. “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that thy footsteps slip not.” “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there by any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” [Psalm 17:5; 139:23.] O how many go of their own accord in the way of temptation inviting the devil to tempt them to their ruin. The heart is all prepared to receive the temptation Satan has been preparing for the occasion. He carefully and adroitly studies his ground, and the subject he has his eye upon and lays his snare accordingly.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 120, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 120, 1898, par. 8

You need not be surprised if everything in the journey heavenward is not pleasant. There is no use in looking to our own defects. Looking unto Jesus, the darkness passes away, and the true light shineth. Go forth daily, expressing the prayer of David, “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” [Psalm 17:5.] All the paths of life are beset with peril, but we are safe if we follow where the Master leads the way, trusting the One whose voice we hear saying, “Follow me.” “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] Let your heart repose in His love. We need sanctification, soul, body, and spirit. This we must seek for.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 71, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 71, 1898, par. 9

We need to pray without ceasing. Let the heart long after God. Let the heart go out in daily, hourly prayer, believing, trusting, holding on to the promise, saying as did Jacob, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] “Hold up my goings in thy path,” O God, “that my footsteps slip not” into pitfalls which men have dug for my feet. [Psalm 17:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 120a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 120a, 1898, par. 7

You need not be surprised if you have not every thing pleasant in your journey heavenward. There is no use in looking to our own defects, but looking unto Jesus, the darkness passes away, and the true light shineth. Go forth daily, trusting, expressing the prayer of David, “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” [Psalm 17:5.] All the paths of life are beset with peril, but we are completely safe if we go where the Master leads the way, and trust in Him whose voice we hear saying, “Follow me.” “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] Let your heart repose in His love; we need sanctification of body and spirit. This we must seek for.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 122, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 122, 1899, par. 17

Whatever way is chosen, the path of life is beset with perils. If the workers in any branch of the cause become careless and inattentive to their eternal interest, they are meeting with great loss. The tempter will find access to them. He will spread nets for their feet, and will lead them in uncertain paths. Those only are safe whose hearts are garrisoned with pure principles. Like David they will pray, “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” Psalm 17:5. A constant battle must be kept up with the selfishness and corruption of the human heart. Often the wicked seem to be prospered in their way; but those who forget God, even for an hour or a moment, are in a dangerous path. They may not realize its perils, but ere they are aware, habit, like an iron band, holds them in subjection to the evil with which they have tampered. God despises their course, and His blessing will not attend them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 93, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 93, 1902, par. 12

My brethren, you cannot be too earnest, too devoted to the will of the Lord. Pray constantly, “Hold up my goings in thy path; let not my feet slip.” [Psalm 17:5.] The Lord sees your dangers. Every natural and cultivated inclination of the heart rises up against true humiliation of self.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Importance of the Canvassing Work

GW92 344.2

Whatever way is chosen, the path of life is beset with perils. If the workers in any branch of the cause become careless and inattentive to their eternal interests, they are meeting with great loss. The tempter will find access to them. He will spread nets for their feet, and will lead them in uncertain paths. Those only are safe whose hearts are garrisoned with pure principles. Like David they will pray, “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” [Psalm 17:5.] A constant battle must be kept up with the selfishness and corruption of the human heart. Often the wicked seem to be prospered in their way; but those who forget God, even for an hour or a moment, are in a dangerous path. They may not realize its perils; but ere they are aware, habit, like an iron band, holds them in subjection to the evil with which they have tampered. God despises their course, and his blessing will not attend them.

In Heavenly Places

Perils on Life’s Pathway, September 8

HP 258.1

Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. Psalm 17:5.

Manual for Canvassers

The Need of Integrity

MC 59.2

Whatever way is chosen, the path of life is beset with perils. If the workers in any branch of the cause become careless and inattentive to their eternal interests, they are meeting with great loss. The tempter will find access to them. He will spread nets for their feet, and will lead them in uncertain paths. Those only are safe whose hearts are garrisoned with pure principles. Like David they will pray, “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” Psalm 17:5. A constant battle must be kept up with the selfishness and corruption of the human heart. Often the wicked seem to be prospered in their way; but those who forget God, even for an hour or a moment, are in a dangerous path. They may not realize its perils, but ere they are aware, habit, like an iron band, holds them in subjection to the evil with which they have tampered. God despises their course, and unless they turn from their evil ways, His blessing can not attend them. Life and death are set before every worker, and the strongest motives are presented to induce them to choose life by obedience to God’s law.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1270—The Work in England; Leaders to Walk With Fear and Trembling Before God, Leading People to the Cross and the True Shepherd

17MR 211.1

We need to pray without ceasing. Let the heart long after God. Let the heart go out in daily, hourly prayer, believing, trusting, holding on to the promise, saying as did Jacob, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me”; [and saying as did David], “Hold up my goings in Thy path.” O God, “that my footsteps slip not” into the pitfalls which men have dug for my feet. [Psalm 17:5]

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 40—Balaam

PP 452.2

It is a perilous thing to allow an unchristian trait to live in the heart. One cherished sin will, little by little, debase the character, bringing all its nobler powers into subjection to the evil desire. The removal of one safeguard from the conscience, the indulgence of one evil habit, one neglect of the high claims of duty, breaks down the defenses of the soul and opens the way for Satan to come in and lead us astray. The only safe course is to let our prayers go forth daily from a sincere heart, as did David, “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” Psalm 17:5.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Chapter 42—Faith and Courage

7T 210.2

It is just as essential that the people of God in this day should bear in mind how and when they have been tested, and where their faith has failed; where they have imperiled His cause by their unbelief and also by their self-confidence. God’s mercy, His sustaining providence, His never-to-be-forgotten deliverances, are to be recounted, step by step. As God’s people thus review the past, they should see that the Lord is ever repeating His dealings. They should understand the warnings given, and should beware not to repeat their mistakes. Renouncing all self-dependence, they are to trust in Him to save them from again dishonoring His name. In every victory that Satan gains, souls are imperiled. Some become the subjects of his temptations, never to recover themselves. Then let those who have made mistakes walk carefully, at every step praying: “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” Psalm 17:5.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 54—Issues at the Gen. Conf. of 1889

1888 475.2

He who has Christ abiding in his heart will so order his conversation as to bring no dishonor or reproach on the sacred truth of God. He will give no occasion to its enemies to blaspheme, will not be filled with self-confidence, but his confidence will be in God. He will not be revealing inconsistencies that are not in harmony with the precious truth of sacred origin. He will not be found going to extremes and furnishing scandal to be circulated far and near in the most exaggerated form. He must be a man that holds communion with God; a man that prays and does not pray in vain: “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” (Psalm 17:5).

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Faith and Courage

3TT 190.2

It is just as essential that the people of God in this day should bear in mind how and when they have been tested, and where their faith has failed; where they have imperiled His cause by their unbelief and also by their self-confidence. God’s mercy, His sustaining providence, His never-to-be-forgotten deliverances, are to be recounted, step by step. As God’s people thus review the past, they should see that the Lord is ever repeating His dealings. They should understand the warnings given, and should beware not to repeat their mistakes. Renouncing all self-dependence, they are to trust in Him to save them from again dishonoring His name. In every victory that Satan gains, souls are imperiled. Some become the subjects of his temptations, never to recover themselves. Then let those who have made mistakes walk carefully, at every step praying: “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” Psalm 17:5.

To Be Like Jesus

When in Trial, Review God’s Great Mercy, July 21

BLJ 215.1

Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip. I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech. Psalm 17:5, 6, NKJV.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]

MR No. 1223—The Parable of the Ten Virgins

16MR 276.1

What a touching figure is this! What an idea it gives us of the watchful care of Christ for all who trust in Him. Christ longed to gather Israel under His mediatorial wings. He longed to hear their voice calling upon Him, and saying: “Hold up my going in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. I have called upon Thee, for Thou wilt hear me, O God: incline Thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Show Thy marvelous loving kindness, O Thou that savest by Thy right hand them which put their trust in Thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings” [Psalm 17:5-8].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 92a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 92a, 1898, par. 38

What a touching figure is this! What an idea it gives us of the watchful care of Christ for all who trust in Him. Christ longed to gather Israel under His mediatorial wings. He longed to hear their voice calling upon Him, and saying: “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Show thy marvelous loving kindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand those that put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me under the shadow of thy wings.” [Psalm 17:5-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 20, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 20, 1892, par. 37

“Show me thy marvelous loving-kindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them that put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.” [Psalm 17:7, 8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 35, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 35, 1892, par. 4

“Where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.” “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Job 28:12, 13, 28. Psalm 17:7, 8 and Isaiah 55:8-13 also quoted.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 118, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 118, 1901, par. 14

Says the psalmist, in language which stretches far beyond the present, far away from all earthly attractions, “Deliver me, ... O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life. ... As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness.” [Psalm 17:13-15.]

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 21—Elisha’s Closing Ministry

PK 264.1

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15. “The righteous hath hope in his death.” Proverbs 14:32. With the psalmist, Elisha could say in all confidence, “God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me.” Psalm 49:15. And with rejoicing he could testify, “I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” Job 19:25. “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.” Psalm 17:15.

That I May Know Him

Passing on the Light, July 29

TMK 216.2

Those who have an experimental knowledge of the truth are under obligation to God to communicate the precious light.... Some will be convicted and will heed the words spoken to them in love and tenderness. They will acknowledge that the truth is the very thing they need to set them free from the slavery of sin and the bondage of worldly principles. There are opened before them themes of thought, fields for action, that they had never comprehended. In Jesus the Redeemer they discern infinite wisdom, infinite justice, infinite mercy—depths, heights, lengths and breadths of love which passeth knowledge. Beholding the perfection of Christ’s character, contemplating His mission, His love, His grace, His truth, they are charmed; the great want of the soul is met, and they will say with the psalmist, “I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15). The divine object of faith and love they see to be Jesus Christ. With them the love of the world, the worshiping of earthly treasures, have come to an end.

The Faith I Live By

Amazing Transformation of Character, May 16

FLB 142.1

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. Psalm 17:15.

From Splendor to Shadow

Elisha Faithful to the End

SS 143.1

“The righteous hath hope in his death.” Proverbs 14:32. Elisha could say in all confidence, “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.” Psalm 17:15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 47, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 47, 1894, par. 4

Some will be convicted and will heed the words spoken to them in love and tenderness. They will acknowledge that the truth is the very thing they need to set them free from the slavery of sin and the bondage of worldly principles. There are opened before them themes of thought, fields for action, that they had never comprehended. In Jesus the Redeemer they discern infinite wisdom, infinite justice, infinite mercy—depths, heights, lengths and breadths of love which passeth knowledge. Beholding the perfection of Christ’s character, contemplating His mission, His love, His grace, His truth, they are charmed; the great want of the soul is met, and they will say with the Psalmist, “I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” [Psalm 17:15.] The divine object of faith and love they see to be Jesus Christ; with them the love of the world, the worshiping of earthly treasures, have come to an end.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 128, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 128, 1894, par. 12

I long for the Holy Spirit more and more to pervade my soul and guide me and work me. When we give up ourselves to be worked by the Holy Spirit, we shall bear the mold of Christ. “I shall be satisfied, when I awake with thy likeness.” [Psalm 17:15.] Every soul truly converted is a living active worker, a missionary for God, else what was he converted to and from what? There can be no idler in the Lord’s vineyard. “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” [Psalm 119:130.] Those who are not self-exalted, those who will feel their ignorance and learn at the feet of Jesus, those who are not alone hearers but doers of His Word, eat His flesh and drink His blood. “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life”—eternal life. [John 6:63.]