Psalm 17:10

They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.

Study Bible

They have closed their callous hearts;
This phrase suggests a deliberate hardening of the heart, a concept frequently addressed in Scripture. In biblical terms, the heart is often seen as the center of one's will and emotions. A "callous heart" indicates insensitivity to God's guidance and moral truth. This hardening can be compared to Pharaoh's heart in Exodus, where repeated rejection of God's commands led to increased stubbornness. The closing of the heart is a conscious choice to reject divine wisdom and compassion, leading to spiritual blindness. This condition is warned against in Proverbs 28:14, which states, "Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble."

their mouths speak with arrogance.
Arrogance in speech reflects a deeper issue of pride and self-reliance, which is condemned throughout the Bible. The mouth, as an expression of the heart's condition, reveals the inner character of a person. Jesus taught in Matthew 12:34, "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Arrogant speech is often associated with a lack of humility and a disregard for others, which is contrary to the biblical call to love and serve one another. This behavior is reminiscent of the prideful speech of the wicked in Psalm 10:4, where the wicked, in their haughtiness, do not seek God. The New Testament also warns against such behavior in James 3:5-6, where the tongue is described as a small part of the body that can cause great harm, likened to a fire that can set a forest ablaze.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of Psalm 17, David is praying for protection and deliverance from his enemies. He is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as the King of Israel.

2. Enemies of David
The individuals or groups who oppose David, characterized by their hardened hearts and arrogant speech. They represent those who stand against God's anointed and righteous ways.

3. God
The ultimate judge and protector whom David appeals to for justice and deliverance from his adversaries.

Teaching Points

Guard Against Hardness of Heart
The Hebrew word for "callous" (cheleb) implies a thick, insensitive layer. Believers are encouraged to remain sensitive to God's voice and promptings, avoiding spiritual insensitivity.

The Danger of Arrogant Speech
Arrogance in speech reflects a deeper heart issue. Christians are called to speak with humility and grace, recognizing that our words reveal the state of our hearts.

Seek God's Protection and Justice
Like David, believers should turn to God in times of trouble, trusting in His justice and protection against those who oppose righteousness.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your heart and speech to ensure they align with God's standards. Repentance and humility are key to maintaining a soft heart.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we identify areas in our lives where our hearts may have become callous, and what steps can we take to soften them?

2. In what ways does arrogance manifest in our speech, and how can we cultivate a habit of speaking with humility and grace?

3. How does David's approach to dealing with his enemies in Psalm 17 inspire us to handle opposition in our own lives?

4. What are some practical ways to seek God's protection and justice in situations where we face adversity or injustice?

5. How do the themes of heart condition and speech in Psalm 17:10 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 16:5
This verse speaks about the Lord's disdain for the proud, connecting to the arrogance mentioned in Psalm 17:10.

Ezekiel 11:19
Discusses the transformation of a callous heart to a heart of flesh, offering hope for those who turn to God.

James 4:6
Highlights God's opposition to the proud but grace to the humble, reinforcing the theme of humility versus arrogance.