What is the meaning of Psalm 17:5?

My steps have held

David reports lived experience, not theory. Each stride has been a deliberate act of obedience.

• Intentional choice—he points every step toward God’s will (Psalm 119:105).

• Ongoing perseverance—he keeps doing what he started (Job 23:11; Psalm 119:112).

• God-enabled stability—“The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD” (Psalm 37:23-24).

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to Your paths

The route he follows is God’s, never self-invented.

• Scripture marks the trail (Psalm 25:4; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 119:133).

• Walking God’s path means walking with God Himself (Psalm 23:3; John 14:6).

• The path is righteous and unmistakable; detours are disobedience (Proverbs 4:26-27).

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my feet have not slipped

Firm footing is the reward of staying on the right road.

• The LORD guards the obedient from stumbling (Psalm 121:3; 2 Samuel 22:37).

• He even widens the path beneath them (Psalm 18:36; Psalm 37:31).

• The steadiness is God’s work, not self-confidence (Jude 24).

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summary

Psalm 17:5 is David’s firsthand testimony: because he deliberately places his steps on God’s revealed path, he enjoys God-given stability. Careful obedience, conscious submission, and confident security always travel together for the believer who walks the same way today.