Psalms 17:3 - Exposition

Thou hast proved mine heart (comp. Psalms 26:2 ; Psalms 66:9 ; Psalms 95:9 ; Psalms 139:23 ). "Proved" means "tried," "tested," examined strictly, so as to know whether there was any wickedness in it or not. Thou hast visited me in the night. The night is the time when men can least escape those searching, testing thoughts which God's providence then especially sends, to "try the very heart and reins" ( Psalms 7:9 ). Thou hast tried me; and shalt find nothing; rather, and findest nothing. The process was one begun in the past, and continuing on in the present. God was ever searching David and trying him; but "found nothing," i.e. no alloy, no base rectal, no serious flaw in his character; not that he was sinless, but that he 'was sincere and earnest—a true worshipper of God, not a hypocrite. I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man" ( James 3:2 ). David's resolution to "keep the door of his lips" would have a chastening influence over both his thoughts and acts.