David shows that a hardened heart speaks proud words, revealing spiritual rebellion.
David, the likely author of this psalm who reigned as King of Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, describes the hostile behavior of his adversaries by stating “They have closed their unfeeling heart, With their mouth they speak proudly.” (v.10). This vivid picture conveys an inner disposition that has become calloused and stubborn, leading them to use arrogant and boastful words. Their hardened hearts prevent them from showing compassion or humility, illustrating the distance that sin creates between the creator and His creation (Mark 7:20-23). These people are portrayed as rejecting God’s instruction in their hearts and manifesting spiritual blindness through unkind speech.
In the context of Psalm 17, David petitions the LORD for protection and vindication, emphasizing the distinction between himself, who seeks purity and righteousness, and these enemies with calloused hearts. The phrase “They have closed their unfeeling heart” (v.10) highlights that their uncaring attitude is not accidental but deliberate, showing a choice to remain hardened even when confronted with God’s truth. Prideful words flow from that hardness, as they speak extravagantly to elevate themselves and diminish others, a behavior Scripture repeatedly warns against (James 4:6). This helps us see that moral failure often begins within the heart, eventually finding its way into outward expressions like speech and actions.
Followers of Christ can find a parallel in Jesus’ teaching that our words and deeds reveal the state of our hearts (Luke 6:45). While David’s appeal in Psalm 17 is set in the historical context of his conflicts, the timeless principle remains that when the heart is closed to God, pride easily takes root. By contrast, cutting off pride and cultivating sensitivity to truth can create humility and fellowship with the LORD. In so doing, believers today can guard themselves against having “unfeeling” hearts and instead live and speak with compassion and reverence.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 17:10 meaning
David, the likely author of this psalm who reigned as King of Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, describes the hostile behavior of his adversaries by stating “They have closed their unfeeling heart, With their mouth they speak proudly.” (v.10). This vivid picture conveys an inner disposition that has become calloused and stubborn, leading them to use arrogant and boastful words. Their hardened hearts prevent them from showing compassion or humility, illustrating the distance that sin creates between the creator and His creation (Mark 7:20-23). These people are portrayed as rejecting God’s instruction in their hearts and manifesting spiritual blindness through unkind speech.
In the context of Psalm 17, David petitions the LORD for protection and vindication, emphasizing the distinction between himself, who seeks purity and righteousness, and these enemies with calloused hearts. The phrase “They have closed their unfeeling heart” (v.10) highlights that their uncaring attitude is not accidental but deliberate, showing a choice to remain hardened even when confronted with God’s truth. Prideful words flow from that hardness, as they speak extravagantly to elevate themselves and diminish others, a behavior Scripture repeatedly warns against (James 4:6). This helps us see that moral failure often begins within the heart, eventually finding its way into outward expressions like speech and actions.
Followers of Christ can find a parallel in Jesus’ teaching that our words and deeds reveal the state of our hearts (Luke 6:45). While David’s appeal in Psalm 17 is set in the historical context of his conflicts, the timeless principle remains that when the heart is closed to God, pride easily takes root. By contrast, cutting off pride and cultivating sensitivity to truth can create humility and fellowship with the LORD. In so doing, believers today can guard themselves against having “unfeeling” hearts and instead live and speak with compassion and reverence.