What is the meaning of Psalm 17:10?

They have closed

- David identifies a deliberate action: the wicked “close” themselves off.

- This is not ignorance but willful refusal to receive truth (Acts 28:27; Matthew 13:15).

- By choosing to shut the door on conviction, they also shut out mercy that could soften them (Psalm 95:7-8).

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their callous hearts

- The heart is the seat of thoughts, desires, and will. When it grows “callous,” it becomes numb to God’s voice (Ephesians 4:18-19).

- Scripture contrasts such hardness with God’s promise to exchange a “heart of stone” for a “heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).

- A calloused heart resists repentance, leading to deeper entrenchment in sin (Hebrews 3:13).

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their mouths speak

- What has been sealed inside eventually overflows: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

- Speech reveals character. David hears their words and recognizes the condition of their hearts (Psalm 10:7; James 3:6).

- Words can either bless or curse; here they expose rebellion (Proverbs 18:21).

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with arrogance

- Pride marks their conversation—boasting, belittling, self-exaltation (1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 27:2).

- Arrogant speech challenges God’s authority and scorns His people (Psalm 31:18).

- God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, ensuring judgment for haughty words (Proverbs 16:5; 1 Peter 5:5).

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summary

Psalm 17:10 paints a progression: a conscious closing, a hardened heart, speech that uncovers inner corruption, and proud defiance against God. David contrasts this with his own plea for protection, reminding us that hardened hearts culminate in arrogant words and inevitable judgment, while soft hearts remain open to God’s truth and grace.