You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
David protests his innocence here, he was falsely charged with treason against Saul, yet brought no deceit to his prayer. He asks God to be his judge and to render sentence in his favor, since his righteous cause deserves a hearing before the throne of mercy.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 17:1-15
"Thou hast proved mine heart." Like Peter, David uses the argument, "Thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee." It is a most assuring thing to be able to appeal at once to the Lord, and call upon our Judge to be a witness for our defence.
David pleads with God as his judge and appeals for a fair hearing of his righteous cause. He stakes his prayer on sincerity, his heart agrees with his mouth, not feigned words, and on his long habit of calling upon God, so trouble finds him already at prayer.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 17:1-7