Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Psalms Chapter 37 mean?

In the beginning of this psalm David tells his audience not to “fret,” which is translated from a Hebrew word referring to burning or heat. In contrast to anxiety, or rage, believers should trust in the Lord, delight themselves in the Lord, commit their way to the Lord, and wait patiently for the Lord. He explains that the prosperity of the wicked lasts only a short time, whereas the Lord’s blessing of the righteous lasts forever (Psalm 37:1–11).

David points out that God is fully aware of the situations faced by the righteous. He is also aware of the seemingly unfair prosperity of the wicked. He knows the wicked abuse the poor and needy and violently oppose the righteous. He assures his readers that God always takes care of His people and protects them. His blessing extends not only to the righteous but also to their descendants. David says the righteous person has God’s Word in his heart, and therefore he does not stumble through life. The Lord is always near the righteous person and will give him the Promised Land for an inheritance (Psalm 37:12–34).

From the world’s perspective, evil people might seem like a tree with wide-spreading branches. Something so large, and so deeply rooted, can be intimidating. However, as David notes, that is merely an illusion compared to the power of God. In his own life, David saw the fate of the rich (1 Samuel 25:39), the strong (1 Samuel 17:48–51), and those in authority (1 Samuel 23:14) who rejected God and godly wisdom. When the once-powerful tree is destroyed, eventually all traces are gone. God promises a future for the righteous, but He will destroy the wicked. David concludes Psalm 37 by describing the Lord as the believers’ salvation and refuge in times of trouble. He delivers them from the wicked (Psalm 37:35–40).

Chapter Context
Psalm 37 lies in the first division of Psalms and addresses mankind. Its tone resembles that of the book of Proverbs. The psalm dispenses wisdom about the security of the righteous man and the insecurity and fate of the wicked man. Psalms 36 and 39 also describe the insecurity and fate of the wicked. The covenant God made with Israel in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27—30 is the basis for David’s assurance that the righteous are secure. The issue of the prosperity of the wicked is also featured in Psalms 49 and 73. David most likely wrote Psalm 37 in his old age.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Fret not yourself because of evildoers;be not envious of wrongdoers!

David learned through personal experience that worshipful respect for God pushes out fear of those who do evil. His advice to other believers is to put aside worrying about evildoers. He also advises believers not to envy those who do wrong.

The word translated “fret” in this verse is from the Hebrew root word charah, meaning “to get heated up or to burn.” Had he been using English expressions, David might have counseled the righteous not to “get steamed,” or “hot under the collar” because of evildoers. The point is not that those who follow God ought to ignore sin; rather, it’s that we shouldn’t succumb to fear or despair (Matthew 6:25–34). Wicked people cannot cause our temperature to rise—for us to become truly anxious—unless we allow them to do so.

Also, those who believe the Lord cares for us regardless of what the wrongdoers have should not be envious. The writer to the Hebrews calls on us to maintain the right attitude toward material things. He wrote: “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). Those who ignore God may think they are coming out ahead, when in fact they’re giving up eternity for the sake of something temporary (Mark 8:36).

It’s also true that the evil won’t always be there to harass the righteous, as the next verse makes clear (Psalm 37:2).

Context Summary
Psalm 37:1–11 encourages David’s audience to maintain a proper relationship with God by refusing to wallow in anxiety over their circumstances. Instead, they ought to trust in the Lord, find their joy in the Lord, and commit their future to the Lord. The tone of this passage resembles Proverbs chapter two, which explains the benefits of following godly wisdom. Matthew 5:5 holds a promise that parallels verses 9 and 11 of this psalm.

Verse 2. For they will soon fade like the grassand wither like the green herb.

The prior verse instructed Christians not to be anxious—literally “heated up”—by the actions of evildoers. Their actions will eventually lead to disaster (Mark 8:36). In that sense, the wicked will not always be around. Soon they will fade away like the grass and wither like vegetation.

In the Middle East, where David lived, grass and vegetation thrives in the rainy season, but it disappears when rain no longer falls, and a hot sun scorches the earth. Isaiah 40:6–7 reminds us, “All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades.” The apostle James points out in James 4:14 that all life is temporal. He compares it to “a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” When the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, they learned how brief life is. They saw a whole generation die there because they refused to believe God who commanded them to enter the Promised Land. Life is too brief to waste time being anxious over evildoers (Matthew 6:25–34).

Verse 3. Trust in the Lord, and do good;dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

David continues his wise counsel (Psalm 37:1–2) by telling his audience to put their confidence in the Lord and do what’s right. Those concepts are inseparable: trusting God and obeying Him go hand in hand. The book of James was written to teach that legitimate faith leads to related works. James 2:18 comments, “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Chapter 2 ends by insisting that “faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26). Legitimate faith leads to good works in keeping with that faith (John 14:15).

The command to “dwell in the land” echoes the New Testament’s call to “abide” in Christ (John 15). The meaning is something more than merely existing or surviving (Galatians 5:16). The following verses speak about delight and commitment. To “dwell” in the land, or to “abide” in one’s faith, requires wholehearted engagement (Deuteronomy 6:5; Luke 10:27).

Another way to see this statement is in contrast to an English expression, “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” The cliché describes how people often think different will be better, instead of recognizing the good we already have. That might apply to our church, our family, or other aspects of our lives (1 Timothy 6:6). Israel’s real-world experience with the Promised Land typifies God’s will for His people (Hebrews 3:15–19). When we refuse to enter it, we’re choosing our own fears or preferences over the will of God (Hebrews 3:12–13).

Verse 4. Delight yourself in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your heart.

This verse is easily misapplied, as are many such references to the promises of God. To “delight in the Lord” is to enjoy all the blessings found in Him, because they are from Him, not merely because they are to our benefit. It’s often said that the person who delights in the Lord values the Giver more highly than His gifts. The Hebrew word translated as “delight” here is from a root word that implies pleasure and enjoyment.

In context with the surrounding verses (Psalm 37:3, 5), this clearly refers to those whose desires are in harmony with those of God. A person who “delights in the Lord” has righteous desires. He will not desire anything that springs from selfish desires. No one can expect God to give something contrary to God’s will, or the Lord’s glory. So far as our wills are attuned to the will of God (John 14:15), our requests will be granted (John 14:14; Matthew 6:33). This idea is expressed often in the Psalms (Psalm 21:2; 145:19).

Some commentators suggest this statement could be interpreted to mean the Lord will place into our hearts those desires which are godly. In other words, when we delight in God, He makes us want what He wants (Romans 12:2; Galatians 5:16–24).

Psalm 16:11 assures us that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy, and pleasures that last forever are at His right hand. A truly joyful life, one which extends through eternity, is based on our delighting ourselves in the Lord. The book of Ecclesiastes traces Solomon’s search for happiness and meaning in a variety of things, but his search led only to emptiness until he found happiness and meaning in a personal relationship with God. At the end of the book he counsels his readers: “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Verse 5. Commit your way to the Lord;trust in him, and he will act.

David tells his readers to be committed to God, including with their trust, which is the essence of “faith.” The Hebrew root word translated “commit” literally means “to roll.” In Hebrew, this is used figuratively to describe handing over, seeking, or consigning something. The trusting believer “rolls” his burdens onto the Lord (Matthew 11:28). He trusts the Lord to take care of situations he cannot handle. This concept is highlighted in other Psalms (Psalm 55:22) and the teachings of Solomon (Proverbs 16:3). Peter seems to cite this concept in the New Testament (1 Peter 5:7).

If we trust the Lord to handle our burdens for us, we will not be anxious about wicked people (Psalm 37:1). David assures us: if we entrust our burdens to God, the Lord will act. He will ultimately deal with those who malign and threaten us (Romans 12:19).

At times, our greatest foes are alarming circumstances. They threaten our peace and even our faith, but the apostle Peter told us God cares for us, therefore we should cast all our anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7). The apostle Paul offered the same prescription for personal peace. He wrote in Philippians 4:6–7 to be anxious about nothing, but to make our requests known to God in prayer. As a result, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Verse 6. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,and your justice as the noonday.

If we trust in the Lord (Psalm 37:3), delight in Him (Psalm 37:4), and give over our burdens to Him (Psalm 37:5), He will vindicate us (Romans 8:28–30). He will show the trusting believer’s righteousness as clearly as brilliant light reveals everything it shines on (Romans 8:18). The believer’s vindication will be as clear to everyone as the brightest time of day. Even if that victory must wait until judgment day (Revelation 6:9–11), it is still guaranteed (2 Peter 3:10).

In the book of Job, the title character spends most of the book getting bad advice from his “friends,” one of whom is Zophar. Grossly misinterpreting what has happened, Zophar tells Job he needs to repent. That assumption is wrong—Job was innocent—but Zophar’s conclusion about the end result of a righteous life is correct: “Your life will be brighter than the noonday, its darkness will be like the morning” (Job 11:17).

Isaiah 58:8 similarly associates a righteous life with light that breaks out like the dawn. Jesus also linked good works and light. He told His followers, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) and instructed them: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mathew 5:16).

Verse 7. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,over the man who carries out evil devices!

In this verse, David again uses the term from verse 1, translated as “fret” (Psalm 37:1). In Hebrew, this term literally means something being ignited or heated. In English, a common expression for being angered is to “get hot under the collar,” or to be “steaming mad.” Echoing the beginning of the psalm, David tells his audience not to be agitated over the earthly prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 37:10).

The believer’s duty is to wait patiently for the Lord (Psalm 40:1; 130:5). Waiting on the Lord suggests a calm surrender to His will. In Psalm 62:5 David wrote: “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Often, faithful followers of God are frustrated as they suffer while the ungodly seem to flourish (Jeremiah 12:1; Psalm 73:3). It can be hard to remember that those who defy God will suffer ultimate loss (2 Peter 2:2–3; Jude 1:14–15).

In those times, as in all other times, we need to take time to be silent before God and trust Him to speak to our heart (Psalm 46:10). When we are quiet before Him, He often brings to mind Scripture which is just what we need to calm our mind and comfort our heart (2 Peter 3:2–7; John 14:26). Patience, like silence, requires discipline, but when we are patient, we begin to see that God is at work in our life.

Verse 8. Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

David advises his readers not to allow anger to get the best of them. Becoming enraged over the unfairness of the wicked man’s prosperity is sinful (Ephesians 4:26–27). Proverbs 15:18 warns that “a hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” Anger and the desire for revenge lead to a cycle of violence and sin. Judgment is ultimately God’s role (Psalm 37:10; Romans 12:19), and temporary earthly pleasure from sin will result in terrible judgment in eternity (Matthew 7:21–23; Revelation 20:11–15).

The Lord cares for the righteous and always supplies what the righteous need (Matthew 6:33). The righteous, therefore, should be content with what they have (Hebrews 13:5). Proverbs 15:16 says, “Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it.” David cared for sheep when he was a boy, and he recognized how much the sheep depended upon his care. He carried the allusion of the sheep-shepherd relationship into his Shepherd Psalm, Psalm 23, by writing, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). The Lord is the shepherd of born-again believers (John 10:14–15), therefore we can be content with what He provides (1 Timothy 6:6).

Verse 9. For the evildoers shall be cut off,but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

According to this verse evildoers will not continue to live in the Promised Land. They will be excommunicated from Israel and from the covenant promises God gave to His people. As a general statement, this is part of the Bible’s warning about generational sin and how a righteous culture tends to lead to more prosperity and stability (Psalm 25:13; Proverbs 2:21; Isaiah 57:13). Early in the psalm, David made a related comment about the eventual fate of those who reject God (Psalm 37:1–2).

There is also a prophetic element to these statements. The Bible teaches that someday Jesus will return to earth and establish His kingdom. The redeemed of the Lord among the tribes of Israel will return to their homeland and settle there (Isaiah 43:4–7; 44:1–5, 21–28; Zechariah 13:6—14:21). But being a member of Israel is an insufficient credential for membership in the Lord’s future kingdom. Jesus told Nicodemus, a highly religious ruler of the Jews, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

According to this verse, those who trust in the Lord and wait on Him will be part of this blessed future (Isaiah 12:2; Ephesians 1:13). They will inherit Messiah’s kingdom. When Jesus places His sheep on His right, He will say to them, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).

Verse 10. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.

David assures his readers that the wicked will not survive the Lord’s judgment. Earlier verses warned against becoming agitated or vengeful over the apparent success of evil people (Psalm 37:1–2, 8–9). God’s perspective is eternal, and that means no act of sin will go without punishment (Hebrews 4:13). Once we embrace the fact that earthly life is temporary and short (Psalm 90:12; James 4:14), there is no reason to get heated or jealous over evil people. God’s judgment will come, and it will be perfect (Romans 12:19).

Jesus told the story of a rich farmer who was an unbeliever. He thought he could satisfy his soul with material goods, and he planned to build more barns to accommodate his bumper crop. He told his soul to take it easy, eat, drink, and be merry. However, he did not live to see the light of morning because God required his soul that night (Luke 12:16–21). Someday, the righteous will live forever with the Lord, but all the wicked will experience the lake of fire (John 14:1–3; Revelation 20:10–15).

Verse 11. But the meek shall inherit the landand delight themselves in abundant peace.

This verse is quoted—or at least echoed—by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:5). The “meek,” in this context, is not a reference to those who are timid or shy. The Hebrew word used here implies humility, as does the equivalent Greek term used in the New Testament. Those who humbly submit themselves to the will of God might be powerful in their personalities, but still “meek” in their lack of arrogance and egotism. Moses, for example, was a meek man (Numbers 12:3). He humbly did God’s will by confronting Pharaoh and by leading the Hebrews through the wilderness.

Prior verses reiterated that evil people will be destroyed (Psalm 37:9–10). Those who trust God not only experience security in their minds (Psalm 37:1–2), they are also destined for godly peace (Isaiah 32:17).

The “land” referred to here is the land of Israel, but looking forward into the future. One day, a generation of believing Jews and Gentiles will live in Israel when Jesus, the Prince of Peace, establishes His kingdom there. At that time peace will prevail and wild animals will lose their savagery. Isaiah 2:4 predicts that wars will cease. Nations will convert their weapons into farm implements. Isaiah 11:6–7 predicts, “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.” Isaiah also wrote: “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace” (Isaiah 55:12).

Verse 12. The wicked plots against the righteousand gnashes his teeth at him,

David’s enemies hated him. They plotted to kill him (1 Samuel 23:24–25; 2 Samuel 17:1–4). Rather than self-pity or bitterness, David saw his experience as common to God’s people. The wicked despise the righteous and would like to get rid of them (Psalm 31:13; 1 Peter 4:4). This verse is part of ongoing comfort for those faithful to God. Verses 12 and 13, like verses 14 and 15, form contrasting pairs where the actions of the wicked are turned against them.

Even Jesus was subject to this vile treatment. His foes, the chief priests and elders, wanted to get rid of Him. Matthew 26:3–4 reports that “the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.” Jesus was aware of this hatred, and warned His followers that they, too, would be hated. He said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you…because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18–19). He also told His followers, “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake” (Matthew 10:22).

Context Summary
Psalm 37:12–20 continues David’s discussion of the differences between the wicked and the righteous. Although the wicked seem to prosper and violently oppose the righteous, the righteous can trust the Lord to care for them. For those who honor God, whatever little they have is better than the abundance of wicked people. Believers have the Lord and will inherit good, eternal things. The wicked have nothing to look forward to in eternity other than condemnation.

Verse 13. but the Lord laughs at the wicked,for he sees that his day is coming.

This is the second half of a contrast presented by David (Psalm 37:12). Those who hate godliness make plans against godly people, whom they also hate. According to this verse, God’s response is to laugh, since He knows these evil schemes are doomed to fail.

Psalm 2 describes the wicked peoples’ rebellion against God and His anointed. The wicked will try to rid themselves of divine rule, but “he who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision” (Psalm 2:4). He will break the rebellious nations with a rod of iron and smash them into pieces like a piece of pottery (Psalm 2:9). Revelation 19 describes a future gathering of the wicked to oppose the Lord, but He will strike them down with a sharp sword that proceeds from His mouth, and He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty (Revelation 19:15).

This verse supports the advice given elsewhere in this psalm: that the righteous need not feel downcast or envious because of the wicked (Psalm 37:1–2, 8–9). In the end, the righteous will be rewarded but the wicked will be punished (Revelation 20:11–15).

Verse 14. The wicked draw the sword and bend their bowsto bring down the poor and needy,to slay those whose way is upright;

In this verse David writes that the wicked resort to violence in order to destroy the righteous and others they think they can take advantage of. It’s common to see the ungodly use force and threats against those who don’t cooperate with their sins (1 Peter 4:3–4). Abuse of the weak and helpless is also a sign of a sinful heart (Proverbs 6:16–19). Like verses 12 and 13, this and verse 15 form a contrasting pair, showing how evil winds up harming itself.

The sword and bow were among the most prominent weapons used in battle during David’s era. The Hebrew word translated “slay” here literally means “to slaughter or butcher,” as in the slaughter of cattle. The word emphasizes the extraordinary malice that the wicked direct toward those who suffer for truth and righteousness.

However, Jesus described those who suffer for righteousness as blessed. He said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:10–12).

Verse 15. their sword shall enter their own heart,and their bows shall be broken.

Completing a contrast begun in the prior verse (Psalm 37:14), David states that the wicked who take up arms against the righteous will die by their own weapons. Sometimes, this happens in the most literal sense. In other times, it happens through corrupt laws, traditions, or customs which eventually are used against those who institute them.

A classic biblical example of this comes to us from the book of Esther. Haman, who plotted to kill Mordecai and the rest of the Jews, even built 75-foot tall gallows to hang Mordecai. But the Lord turned the tables on Haman. Queen Esther reported Haman’s evil plot to the king, and upon hearing of Haman’s plot, ordered Haman’s execution. Esther 7:10 reports: “So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.”

Peter drew a sword to defend Jesus, when soldiers came to the garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus, but Jesus told Peter to put his sword back in its place. He said, “For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). The Lord does not sit idly by while the wicked persecute the righteous. He declares, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” (Romans 12:19).

Verse 16. Better is the little that the righteous hasthan the abundance of many wicked.

Scripture always counsels us to look at life from an eternal perspective. Whatever earthly gains we see in the lives of the wicked are just that: temporary. Eternity will not be kind to those who profit from evil. David concludes that it’s better to have little, from a worldly perspective, and to be righteous, than to be evil (Matthew 16:26).

Asaph, who wrote Psalm 73, was envious of the prosperous wicked until he entered the sanctuary and quietly assessed the situation. He concluded that the Lord would destroy the wicked. They would perish, but the Lord would always be with him and guide him throughout his life and then welcome him to heaven (Psalm 73:2–3, 16–17). In his first letter to Timothy the apostle Paul instructed Timothy to advise wealthy people not to rely too much on money, but to trust in God (1 Timothy 6:17). He added in the same verse that God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” We can say with David, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

Verse 17. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,but the Lord upholds the righteous.

David completes a thought from the prior verse (Psalm 37:16). In Hebrew, much as in English, the term for “arm” is also used to imply weapons, or military forces. On a personal level, “arms” are representative of a person’s strength. David is pointing out that not only will the weapons of the wicked fail, but their strength will collapse, as well. The strength of the wicked is no match for the strength of God (Isaiah 14:27).

When Moses blessed the tribe of Asher, he predicted, “as your days, so shall your strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25). In blessing the tribes of Israel, Moses said, “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27). Believers may not be physically strong throughout their lifetime (2 Corinthians 12:10), but the Lord will always uphold them and wrap His arms around them. The Lord promises in Isaiah 41:10: “I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Verse 18. The Lord knows the days of the blameless,and their heritage will remain forever;

We do not know what tomorrow or any of our future days may bring (James 4:14), but God knows how long we will live and what events will come our way. In His omniscience God knows everything that will happen to us, and as a loving God He will not allow anything to befall us that is not for our good and His glory. Romans 8:28–30 assures us that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

The term “blameless,” here, does not mean “perfectly sinless.” This is a term applied to people like Job (Job 1:1) who were committed to good conduct and faithfulness towards God. Use of this idea in the New Testament sometimes comes through the phrase “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2). A person whose life clearly demonstrates a submission to God’s will would be considered “blameless.”

Scripture also promises that the blameless have a heritage that lasts forever. This is in keeping with eternal salvation: those who put their faith in God will live with Him forever (John 6:47). Even if life is difficult, or persecution comes, those who honor God can look forward to heaven (John 16:33).

Righteous Jews believed God’s promises about their future in the Promised Land. They eagerly looked forward to dwelling there. Today’s believers, too, have a lasting heritage. The apostle Peter credits God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with giving us a living hope through Jesus’ resurrection “to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4). Furthermore, Peter describes our inheritance as being guarded in heaven for us. David had written that the little a believer has is far better than the abundance of the wicked (Psalm 37:16), but God has also stored up treasures for the righteous for a future time (Matthew 6:19–20).

Verse 19. they are not put to shame in evil times;in the days of famine they have abundance.

David notes that the righteous will not be “put to shame.” In context, this means they will not be abandoned by God, or disappointed in His response to their struggles. Scripture is realistic about pain and suffering, even for those who obey the Lord (Psalm 34:19; John 16:33). However, an eternal perspective helps us remember that all sin will one day be punished (Revelation 20:11–15), and everything which happens is part of God’s sovereign will (Romans 8:28–30). Believers may experience pain (Psalm 37:24), but don’t need to despair.

In contrast, those who hate God, and God’s people, will suffer eternal loss. David wrote in Psalm 6:10: “All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.” Even in a time of famine the righteous will have enough to eat, David assures his readers in Psalm 37:19. When Naomi returned to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth, she had practically nothing, but the Lord used a wealthy farmer and relative, Boaz, to provide abundantly for them (Ruth 2). Jesus promised that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, everything we need will be supplied (Matthew 6:33).

Verse 20. But the wicked will perish;the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures;they vanish — like smoke they vanish away.

God not only cares for those who love Him (Psalm 37:3–6), He will also punish their wicked enemies. This verse makes it clear that depraved and evil people are not only the enemies of the Lord’s people, but they are also the enemies of the Lord Himself. Nothing touches the Lord’s people that does not also touch Him. A direct reference to this connection can be found in the New Testament. When, on the road to Damascus, the Lord confronted Saul of Tarsus, the bloodthirsty persecutor of believers, he asked, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4).

This statement also notes that the enemies of God will suffer death and judgment for their sin. They will vanish away like the beautiful flowers of the field (1 Peter 1:24) and like smoke (Revelation 14:11). Israel’s rainy season causes the flowers of the field to spring up and blossom, but soon the strong heat of day causes them to wilt. Therefore, the flowers are short-lived. The Lord’s people were familiar with smoke that arose from the altar on which lambs were sacrificed. It arose from the altar and quickly vanished.

Verse 21. The wicked borrows but does not pay back,but the righteous is generous and gives;

One of the distinguishing marks of a wicked person is his lack of trustworthiness. This is symbolized by David as a person who borrows but does not pay back what is owed. In contrast, a righteous person not only meets their obligations, they practice generosity. Sin leads a person to selfishly take from others; godliness encourages charity and kindness.

The righteous have what they need, because God blesses them, and therefore they can give to others. God promised to reward Israel’s faithfulness by making it possible for the Israelites to lend to many nations (Deuteronomy 15:6). He repeated this promise in Deuteronomy 28:12. So far as literal material prosperity is concerned, this promise does not extend to every believer in every period of history. It was given to the nation of Israel and was conditioned on Israel’s faithfulness to the Lord. It is, therefore, a generalization, as is much of the advice in the book of Proverbs.

However, verses such as this show clearly that God frowns on untrustworthiness but smiles on generosity. Second Corinthians 9:11 teaches us that God enriches us for a reason: so that we may be generous in every way.

Context Summary
Psalm 37:21–31 points out the blessings of the righteous. David describes not only their blessings but also their character and conduct. The Lord blesses the righteous with the promise of an inheritance, personal guidance, protection, provision, a good posterity, and His presence.

Verse 22. for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit the land,but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

Those who are blessed by the Lord—in this context, meaning the righteous who follow Him (Psalm 37:21)—can look forward to dwelling in the Promised Land. In a prophetic sense, this applies to those who believe in God and can look forward to eternal life (John 6:40).

The Lord vowed to give a vast territory to Abraham and his descendants. In Genesis 17:8, He promised Abraham: “I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” The hope of all faithful Jews is to live in the Promised Land with their Messiah.

When the apostle Paul was under arrest in Rome, he called for the local leaders of the Jews and told them, “It is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain” (Acts 28:20). At a later meeting he told them about the kingdom of God, meaning the Messiah’s earthly kingdom, and tried to lead them to faith in Jesus (Acts 28:23).

Those who defy God, however, will be “cut off.” They will not share any of the promises the Lord made in His covenant with Israel. They will never inherit the Promised Land or participate in the community of God’s people.

Verse 23. The steps of a man are established by the Lord,when he delights in his way;

The Lord is in control of the life of a righteous man, and the Lord delights in his course of life. Surely, a righteous person may stumble and even fall, but the Lord will protect him (Psalm 37:24). In Psalm 40:2 David writes: “He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” Much of the advice given in books such as Proverbs emphasizes how following God’s instruction is much more likely to result in good outcomes (Proverbs 3:1–2).

God can keep those who submit to Him from sin (1 Corinthians 10:13), and He will accomplish their salvation and sanctification (Jude 1:24–25). If we do stumble, as the apostle Peter did by denying the Lord, the Lord is able to restore us to Himself (1 John 1:9; Psalm 37:24). Also, if we see a believer stumble into sin, we have a duty to restore that believer in a spirit of gentleness. In the process, we should keep a watch on ourselves, lest we too, are tempted (Galatians 6:1).

Verse 24. though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,for the Lord upholds his hand.

Every life has its setbacks, but the righteous will not stay down forever. Scripture never guarantees that followers of God will be free from earthly suffering (John 16:33; Psalm 34:19). What the Bible does promise is that any pain experienced by a believer is temporary (Romans 8:28; Revelation 21:4). God’s people suffer occasional misfortunes but not utter ruin. They may suffer, but they will not perish like the wicked. The Lord holds the hand of the righteous person, and thereby protects him from disaster.

The phrase “cast headlong” comes from a Hebrew term meaning “throw, cast, hurl, or carry away.” The imagery here is of someone tumbling out of control. David’s words depict the difference between the “stumbles” of the godly, from which there will be recovery, versus those of the ungodly, which can lead to utter ruin. This is true both in an earthly and eternal sense (2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 5:16–18).

The believer’s fall is seen, in context, as a material misfortune. Job, for example, experienced a material fall and personal loss. He lost 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys (Job 1:3, 14–17). He also lost his seven sons and three daughters (Job 1:2, 18–19). Further, he lost his health (Job 2:7–8). But after these trials, Job had a clearer picture of the Lord and himself, and “the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning” (Job 42:12). The Lord blessed Job with twice as many sheep, camels, yoke of oxen, and female donkeys as he had before the trials (Job 42:12). He also gave Job more children. “After this Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, four generations. And Job died, an old man, and full of days” (Job 42:16–17). Job’s experience foreshadows the eternal promise given to all believers (John 6:40).

Verse 25. I have been young, and now am old,yet I have not seen the righteous forsakenor his children begging for bread.

This verse is controversial but can be understood in the broader context of Scripture. David’s point here is not that the “righteous” will never experience poverty, hardship, or even death (Psalm 34:19; John 16:33). Rather, his meaning is in the context of recovery (Psalm 37:24).

Strictly speaking, David is referring to his own observations, not necessarily an absolute condition of the entire world. We know that famines have struck nations in which both believers and unbelievers have died from starvation. Poverty and destitute circumstances can affect even those who honor God. Certainly, as a general rule, God provides sufficiently for His people (Matthew 6:31–33). Believers should not worry about what they should eat or drink or wear because their heavenly Father is aware of their need and has promised to meet it. That provision is not always according to what we prefer, or what we expect, but it’s always according to God’s perfect will (Romans 8:28–30).

The apostle Paul thanked the Philippians for sending help for his needs twice (Philippians 4:16), and he promised, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Verse 26. He is ever lending generously,and his children become a blessing.

Once again (Psalm 37:21) David observes that generosity is a sign of a righteous person. The righteous person, generally speaking, experiences the multiplication of his resources when he gives generously. Luke 6:38 promises, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

The Philippian believers supported the apostle Paul generously, and Paul gratefully acknowledged their gifts and wrote that God would supply all their needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Giving to the Lord’s work is every believer’s responsibility. Every believer should give as God has prospered him or her (1 Corinthians 16:2), and every believer should remember that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

David also observes that a generous person’s children become a blessing. They learn by the parent’s example to give to the needy.

Verse 27. Turn away from evil and do good;so shall you dwell forever.

David exhorts his readers to reject everything morally wrong and to do what is morally right. Choices are a necessary part of life, but the choice between evil and good has everlasting consequences. No choice is more important, or more fundamental, than to obey the will of God by believing in Jesus Christ (John 3:16–18; 6:28–29).

This verse contains an interesting comment: that the choice between good and evil is tied to life. And, not merely any kind of life, but something phrased as to “dwell forever” or “abide forever.” The NIV includes the phrase “in the land,” but there are no actual Hebrew words for this in the manuscripts. The CSB makes this “settle permanently,” also interpreting this as another reference to the Promised Land (Psalm 37:9, 11). However, this remark is not tied explicitly to any territory. Believers are guaranteed eternal life (John 10:28), a theme which seems to be echoed in the next verse (Psalm 37:28).

When the Hebrews camped in the wilderness on the border of Canaan, they had a choice: to believe God and enter Canaan promptly and possess it or to remain in the wilderness and die. They made the wrong choice, and only faithful Joshua and Caleb and the younger generation entered Canaan, the Promised Land (Numbers 13—14). When faced with temptation, believers in God have a choice: to flee from it or yield to it. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:19: “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity” (Luke 13:27; Matthew 7:21–23).

Verse 28.For the Lord loves justice;he will not forsake his saints.They are preserved forever,but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.

Keeping with the theme of God’s perspective on good and evil (Psalm 37:27), David reminds the reader of the Lord’s love of justice and His faithfulness to the righteous. Because He is good and loves what is right, we can trust Him to do the right thing in every time and every situation. He will never abandon the righteous. Even in times of hardship (John 16:33; Psalm 34:19), God is with His people.

Hebrews 13:5 encourages believers not to be discouraged about what we have, for that very reason. God promises to keep those who come to Him in faith, with an absolute guarantee (John 10:28). When Peter described the inheritance of the Lord’s people as being kept in heaven for them, he also described the Lord’s people as being guarded by God’s power through faith (1 Peter 1:4–5).

In contrast, the God who loves justice will not allow the wicked and their children to endure. This verse says they will be cut off; this is a reference to utter destruction. Those who do evil in the world can usually expect to suffer the natural consequences of that sin (Romans 1:24–28; Isaiah 14:22). That leads to ruin both for them and the descendants they teach to follow in their footsteps (Exodus 34:6–7).

Verse 29. The righteous shall inherit the landand dwell upon it forever.

Although Israel has not yet possessed all the land God promised to Abraham and his descendants, someday Christ-honoring Jews will dwell securely in that land. God said to Abraham: “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates” (Genesis 15:18). In Genesis 17:8 he promised Abraham again: “I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojourning, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession.”

The time of this possession awaits the second coming of the Messiah to establish His kingdom (Isaiah 9:6–7; Zephaniah 3:14–20). The prophet Micah wrote about the Messiah’s kingdom and identified Jerusalem as its capital. He described it as a time of security, when every man will sit under his vine and fig tree, and no one will make him afraid (Micah 4:4). In verse 7 he pictured the Lord reigning from Mount Zion [Jerusalem] over the returnees to the Promised Land.

Verse 30. The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,and his tongue speaks justice.

David says the righteous speak wisdom and justice. Wisdom represents the ability to correctly apply godly knowledge. A righteous person knows when to speak his mind (Psalm 49:3)—and when to mind what they say (Proverbs 10:19). Wise people counsel others to do the right thing (Proverbs 8:12–16). This ability to transmit true wisdom is no accident: David will continue to explain how such knowledge comes from knowing God (Psalm 37:31; 1 Corinthians 2:14–16).

In the early church, some members had the gift of the utterance of wisdom. The apostle Paul writes that this gift along with the other spiritual gifts was given through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8). When the church was in its infancy, it did not yet have the completed New Testament as the authority for what the believers should believe and do. So, God graciously gifted some individuals with special wisdom to guide the church in these matters.

The apostle James placed a high value on wisdom as a controller of a person’s actions. He wrote: “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). He described wisdom as “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). James also noted the destructive power of an uncontrolled tongue (James 3:4–6). To produce true justice in one’s words requires the kind of “right judgment” spoken of by Christ (John 7:24).

Verse 31. The law of his God is in his heart;his steps do not slip.

In this verse David tells us why the mouth of the righteous utters wisdom (Psalm 37:30). Those who are truly righteous have the Word of God in their heart. Jesus said that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). If we give God’s Word a heartfelt welcome, it will produce wisdom. What we say and what we do will be controlled by wisdom (Psalm 119:9–16, 104, 129–130).

When God commissioned Joshua to lead the Hebrews into Canaan, He told him to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to “be careful to do according to all that is written in it” (Joshua 1:8). He promised Joshua: “For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Psalm 1:2–3 employs the analogy of a fruitful tree to describe the person who delights in God’s Word and meditates on it day and night. Love for the Word makes a person like a well-watered tree “that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

Verse 32. The wicked watches for the righteousand seeks to put him to death.

Personal experience taught David that a sharp conflict exists between the wicked and the righteous. Broadly speaking, conflicts in David’s life were between those who honored God and those who did not. David, while imperfect, was known as a man after God’s own heart, but he was marked for death by the disobedient King Saul (1 Samuel 13:13–14; Acts 13:22). He observes, from such examples, that the wicked person lies in wait for an opportunity to kill the righteous person (Proverbs 24:15).

The animosity of Judas and Israel’s wicked religious leaders toward Jesus also illustrates this truth. Judas, not a believer though one of Jesus’ closest companions, conspired to lay a trap allowing Jesus to be captured away from the public eye (Matthew 26:14–16).

In the long-lasting conflict between good and evil, the evil world system under the rule of the Devil (John 14:30) opposes God’s righteous people. Jesus told His disciples, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19).

Context Summary
Psalm 37:32–40 describes the actions of the wicked and the judgment they face at the hands of the Lord. It also relates what the righteous person ought to do and what the Lord will do for him. The wicked have a dreadful future, whereas the future of the righteous is one of exaltation, peace, and deliverance.

Verse 33. The Lord will not abandon him to his poweror let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.

David is assured that God will not forsake the righteous when the wicked attempts to kill them. As with many statements in books like Psalms and Proverbs, these are statements of general cases, and of personal perspectives. David understood even the righteous can suffer at the hands of evil people (Psalm 3:1–2; 27:12; 34:19). Jesus was also honest about the reality of earthly hardships (John 16:33). What believers trust in is God’s eternal salvation (John 10:28). In the ultimate judgment of all things, believers will be justified (Romans 5:9), while the wicked who reject God will be condemned (Jude 1:14–15).

On earth, the wicked may find a way to falsely accuse a righteous person and bring them to trial, as Jesus’ accusers did. Matthew 26:59 tells us “the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death.” Their search, however, was futile until two false witnesses came forward and accused him of saying, “I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days” (Matthew 26:60–61).

In ancient times, the wicked rich oppressed the poor and took them to court to obtain what little they had. The apostle James appealed to his readers not to favor the rich over the poor. He asked: “Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?” (James 2:6–7).

Verse 34. Wait for the Lord and keep his way,and he will exalt you to inherit the land;you will look on when the wicked are cut off.

When attacked by the wicked, the righteous can act in their own defense (Luke 22:36) or pursue proper justice (Romans 13:1–4). Those who honor God should not lash out in revenge (Romans 12:18–19) or angry haste (Ephesians 4:26).

Spiritual discipline is key to this. If a person relies on his own strength, he will fail to exercise restraint. Paul wrote that “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). The way to achieve victory when the enemy attacks is to wait on the Lord to act and to keep His way (Psalm 37:34). Trust in the Lord and obedience to His commands are powerful weapons. If we trust and obey, the righteous will be exalted by the Lord and will dwell in the Promised Land.

Further, the righteous will be spectators when the Lord cuts off the wicked (Revelation 20:11–15). He will excommunicate them from membership in Israel and remove them from all the privileges associated with belonging to Israel. Someday, Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats, the righteous from the wicked. He will admit the righteous into His kingdom, but He will send the wicked into eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:31–46).

Verse 35. I have seen a wicked, ruthless man,spreading himself like a green laurel tree.

David reports that he has seen a wicked, violent, strong man tower over others like an overspreading tree that seems to be firmly grounded and immoveable. This reference might be entirely poetic. However, David’s personal history included encounters with men who fit this description. Those ungodly men exhibited their own forms of strength and power—wealth, physical prowess, or authority—but were eventually nowhere to be found (Psalm 37:36).

First Samuel 25 portrays Nabal, whose name means “foolish,” as a powerful man who insulted David’s in response to a polite request for provisions. Though Nabal was very rich and owned 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats (1 Samuel 25:2), he asked David’s men, “Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?” (1 Samuel 25:11). Rather than seek revenge, David was convinced to wait (1 Samuel 25:21–35), and Nabal eventually met his deserved end (1 Samuel 25:36–39). Perhaps, David was thinking of Nabal when he wrote these words.

An even more likely example from David’s life would be Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4). Though young, with God’s enabling, David was able to kill the enormous, intimidating warrior (1 Samuel 17:45–51).

Or David may have had ruthless King Saul in mind. Saul’s ungodly jealousy of David forced David to flee for his own safety (1 Samuel 23:14).

All three of these men might have seemed as immoveable and indestructible as a native tree with deep roots and wide-reaching branches. Even today, those who have wealth, strength, or authority can seem to be too big and firmly planted to be toppled. This aura of invincibility is just an illusion (Psalm 37:36).

Verse 36. But he passed away, and behold, he was no more;though I sought him, he could not be found.

Although the wicked, ruthless person may succeed for a while, the Lord will judge him. He will not survive indefinitely. In the prior verse, David noted how the wicked and ruthless can seem like firmly rooted trees. He might have been thinking of his encounters with the rich Nabal (1 Samuel 25), the warrior giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45–51), or the jealous King Saul (1 Samuel 23:14). Or David may have been making a general statement. In any case, here David notes that those who are ungodly eventually fall. David looked for the “wicked, ruthless man” (Psalm 37:35), but couldn’t find him.

Herod, who persecuted believers in the early church, was a powerful, ruthless man, but the Lord judged him dramatically in an instant. Herod had executed James, and he intended to execute Peter, but the Lord rescued Peter from prison. Later, on an appointed day in Caesarea, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on a throne, and delivered a speech. When his audience shouted, “The voice of a god, and not of a man” (Acts 12:22), “an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last” (Acts 12:23).

The wicked will not execute ruthless power forever. Many will suffer the natural consequences of their sin (Proverbs 14:32). Ultimately, all those who reject God will suffer the eternal consequences of their cruelty (Revelation 20:11–15).

Verse 37. Mark the blameless and behold the upright,for there is a future for the man of peace.

The expression “to mark,” as used here, means “to take note of, or to pay special attention to.” David’s instruction is for the reader or hearer to look at the example of those who are “blameless” and “upright.”

“Blameless” does not mean sinlessly perfect. No person, other than Jesus, has ever been or ever will be perfect (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus never thought a sinful thought, nor did He commit a sinful act. But every other human being has sinned and falls short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Rather, to be blameless means to be “above reproach.” Paul told Timothy that a church leader “must be blameless” (1 Timothy 3:2 KJV). If only perfectly sinless men were qualified to be overseers, no church would have an overseer.

In a similar way, those who are upright can be contrasted with those who are crooked (Proverbs 17:20). As do other general statements in Psalms and Proverbs, this verse notes that the morally upright person is more likely to see a peaceful future (Proverbs 9:10–11). The word “future” may imply that his descendants, too, will enjoy peace.

Christians enjoy peace with God (Romans 5:1), and by committing their concerns to God in prayer they can also enjoy the peace of God in their hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Verse 38. But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed;the future of the wicked shall be cut off.

Again, David tells us the wicked will be destroyed and cut off. The “transgressors” are those who rebel against God’s authority. Satan was the first rebel against God’s rule. He purposed to overthrow God and rule in His place. Satan said in his heart, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14). But the Most High answered: “But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit” (Isaiah 14:15). Ultimately, the Devil will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

All human beings have also rebelled against God. Like sheep, we have all gone astray and turned to our own way (Isaiah 53:6). The only way to avoid eternal judgment is to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:16–18, 36). To be “cut off” (Psalm 37:38) is to forfeit eternal life and the blessings God bestows on the righteous. Some Bible teachers believe the future of the wicked, mentioned in this verse, extends to the descendants of the wicked who continue in the sins of prior generations (Exodus 34:6–7).

Verse 39. The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

David testifies that God saves the righteous and acts as their refuge in time of trouble. David learned firsthand that God is more than able to rescue His people in times of trouble. No enemy that sought to kill David succeeded, despite great odds. The Lord always protected him.

For example, both when David was threatened by the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:41–51) and a fugitive in the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:14), the Lord protected him. The Lord also delivers the righteous—those who trust in the Savior—from eternal judgment (John 10:28). Romans 6:23 explains that God’s gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus.

When the flood waters claimed the lives of all who breathed in the time of Noah, Noah and his family were safe in the ark. The Lord had shut them in (Genesis 7:16; 2 Peter 2:5). Similarly, the righteous are safe in Christ. He is our ark! Also, when trials engulf us, we need not fret but trust, knowing God cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Verse 40. The Lord helps them and delivers them;he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,because they take refuge in him.

As he closes out this psalm, David emphasizes once again that the Lord provides for those who follow Him. He saves them from evil because of their faith. David, himself, knew that this did not mean God guaranteed bliss or safety for His people, always (Psalm 3:1–2; 34:19; John 16:33). Salvation from God is primarily eternal (John 3:16–18), and that is the main focus of His people (Hebrews 11:13–16).The psalm began with an appeal to reject anxiety on account of evil people (Psalm 37:1). It ends with a celebration of how God can save those who trust in Him.

When a tempestuous wind threatened to sink the ship that was transporting Paul to Rome to stand trial, the sailors feared for their lives, but an angel of God assured Paul there would be no loss of life though the ship would be lost. Paul addressed the hopeless crew and said, “Take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told” (Acts 27:25). Hebrews 11 is replete with accounts of how men and women overcame impossible situations and intense persecution by faith.

End of Psalm 37

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