Psalm 107:17

Psalm 107:17, in plain English

The psalmist now introduces a third group: fools who brought affliction on themselves through rebellion and sin, and they suffered the natural consequences.

Why it's here

'Fools' in Scripture doesn't mean unintelligent people; it means people who reject God's wisdom and live as if He doesn't matter. Their suffering stems directly from their choices.

Who's speaking

The psalmist, describing those who choose their own way

Where it sits in the story

The contrast between the wise person (who trusts God) and the fool (who trusts themselves) runs through Proverbs and the Psalms. This group represents people who could have avoided their pain if they'd listened.

The scholarly reading

The third scenario presents a different category of suffering: fools (those lacking wisdom) who, through their rebellious and iniquitous behavior, bring affliction upon themselves.

Language and setting

The Hebrew kesilim ('fools') denotes not mere stupidity but moral and spiritual foolishness—refusal to fear God and follow wisdom. The phrase 'rebellious ways' (derekh pishsham) and 'iniquities' (avonotam) root suffering in volitional transgression. Unlike the prisoners who, while culpable, were bound by external chains, these fools are bound by the consequences of their own choices. This scenario appeals to the wisdom tradition embedded in the Psalter and anticipated by Proverbs.

Voice

The liturgical voice introduces a third cycle with a variant scenario: self-inflicted suffering through moral stupidity.

Significance

Wisdom literature (Proverbs, Job, Qohelet) grapples with the consequences of foolishness versus understanding. The Gospel critiques the self-righteousness that can accompany wisdom, showing that even the learned can miss truth; yet it affirms that genuine wisdom—knowledge of God through Christ—leads to life.

15Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men.

16For He has broken down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.

17Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction.

18They loathed all food and drew near to the gates of death.

19Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress.

Read all of Psalm 107 — Four stories of people in trouble — lost, imprisoned, sick, storm-tossed. Each time they cry out. Each time God delivers. Let the redeemed say so.