Psalm 37
Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm written by David, encouraging believers to trust in God rather than envy the prosperity of the wicked. It contrasts the fate of the righteous with that of evildoers, emphasizing that the wicked will ultimately perish, while those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. The psalm offers practical advice on how to live a righteous life, focusing on patience, humility, and faith in God's justice.
Psalm 37:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more.
David advises believers not to worry about the apparent success of the wicked, as their success is temporary, like grass that quickly withers. Instead, believers should focus on trusting God and living righteously. As they delight in the Lord, He will fulfill their heart's desires. Resting and waiting patiently on God's timing will bring justice and peace. Anger only leads to harm, and it is faithfulness, not rage, that ensures God’s blessings. The wicked may seem powerful now, but their influence is fleeting, while the righteous will eventually inherit God's promises.
Psalm 37:11-20 (NKJV)
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12 The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth.
13 The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to slay those who are of upright conduct.
15 Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16 A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.
18 The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever.
19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20 But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the Lord, like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away.
Though the wicked may seem threatening, their plans are destined to fail. God is not intimidated by their schemes, knowing that their downfall is near. Their weapons will turn against them, and their power will be broken. In contrast, even the little that a righteous person has is better than the riches of the wicked. God watches over the righteous, ensuring their provision and eternal inheritance, while the wicked will vanish like smoke, leaving no trace behind.
Psalm 37:21-30 (NKJV)
21 The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives.
22 For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, but those cursed by Him shall be cut off.
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell forevermore.
28 For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; they are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice.
The wicked are unreliable, failing to repay debts, while the righteous show mercy and generosity. God directs the steps of the righteous and supports them even in difficulties. David reflects on his life, affirming that he has never seen the righteous abandoned. God blesses not only the righteous but also their descendants. Those who avoid evil and do good will dwell in God’s care forever. The righteous also speak wisdom and justice, reflecting God’s character in their words and actions.
Psalm 37:31-40 (NKJV)
31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
32 The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him.
33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34 Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a native green tree.
36 Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace.
38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.
40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.
The righteous live with God's law in their hearts, providing stability and protection from falling. Although the wicked may seek to harm them, God will protect and deliver the righteous in His timing. David reflects on the fleeting nature of the wicked’s success; even if they appear powerful for a time, they will disappear without a trace. In contrast, the righteous find peace, and their future is secure with God. God is their salvation and deliverance, helping them in trouble and saving them from the wicked because of their trust in Him.