Psalms 37 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 37

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to King David, the second king of ancient Israel. David offers wisdom and guidance to those who are struggling with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous in this particular psalm. David encourages his readers in Psalm 37 to trust in the Lord, do good, and take refuge in Him. He reminds us that the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, but their downfall is inevitable, while the righteous will ultimately be rewarded. This psalm echoes the themes found in other wisdom literature, such as the Book of Proverbs, where we are exhorted to walk in the ways of the Lord and not to be envious of those who do evil. We will see David’s profound insights into the nature of true and lasting prosperity, the importance of patience and perseverance, and the ultimate triumph of God’s justice as we delve into this chapter. These timeless truths continue to provide comfort and guidance to believers throughout the ages, reminding us that our hope and security are found in the Lord, who is faithful and just.

Psalms 37:1-6

The psalmist in Psalms 37:1-6 opens by instructing the reader not to fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. This verse serves as a reminder to believers not to be consumed with jealousy or anxiety over the apparent success of those who live wicked lives. It urges readers to maintain their faith in God and trust in His plan, despite the temporary prosperity of the unrighteous.

The psalmist goes on to emphasize the fleeting nature of the wicked and their ultimate destiny. They are likened to grass that withers quickly and to green herbs that fade away. This imagery conveys the idea that even though the wicked may seem to thrive momentarily, their end is inevitable, and their prosperity is brief. This serves as a powerful reminder that God’s justice will prevail in the end, and He will address the actions of the unrighteous.

Additionally, the psalmist encourages the reader to trust in the Lord and do good, dwelling in the land and feeding on His faithfulness. This speaks to the importance of faith and righteousness in the face of adversity. Believers can find sustenance in God’s faithfulness and experience His provision in their lives by placing trust in Him and committing to a life of goodness. This is a timeless message that echoes throughout the Bible, highlighting the significance of faith and obedience in the Christian walk.

Furthermore, the psalmist reassures the reader that if they delight themselves in the Lord, He will give them the desires of their heart. This statement underscores the importance of aligning one’s will with God’s will and finding joy in His presence. When individuals take delight in God and seek His kingdom first, their desires will naturally align with His purposes, leading to the fulfillment of their heart’s desires in accordance with His perfect plan. This concept is echoed in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus instructs His followers to seek first the kingdom of God, trusting that all their needs will be met. Psalms 37:1-6 serves as a profound reflection on the nature of righteousness, faith, and God’s justice. It encourages believers to trust in the Lord, do good, and find their delight in Him, knowing that He will sustain them and fulfill the desires of their hearts. The passage provides comfort and reassurance to those facing adversity, reminding them of the ultimate fate of the wicked and the enduring faithfulness of God towards those who seek Him.

Psalms 37:7-11

The verse in Psalms 37:7-11 breaks down into several key sections that provide profound insights into how believers should navigate their lives in the face of adversity and challenges.

The first section “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” emphasizes the importance of patience and trust in God’s timing. It encourages believers to maintain composure and refrain from getting anxious or envious when the unrighteous seem to prosper. This message is a reminder that although the wicked may appear to prosper in the short term, their success is fleeting and will ultimately be judged by God. This concept of waiting patiently on the Lord is echoed in other passages such as Isaiah 40:31 which states, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

The second section “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil” advises against giving in to feelings of anger or resentment towards those who have wronged us. Instead, it encourages believers to let go of negative emotions and trust in God’s justice to bring about resolution in due time. This message reflects the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:44-45, where he instructs his followers to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

The third section “For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land” serves as a powerful reminder that the ultimate fate of the wicked is destruction, while those who put their trust in God will receive blessings and inherit the promises of God. This theme of God’s judgment and the reward for the righteous is a recurrent theme throughout the Bible, with passages like Proverbs 2:21-22 affirming that “the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.”

The final section “A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” offers a comforting assurance that no matter how bleak the current circumstances may seem, God’s justice will prevail in the end. The contrast between the fate of the wicked and the meek highlights the importance of humility and obedience to God’s will. This idea of the meek inheriting the land echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Psalms 37:7-11 provides a roadmap for believers to navigate life’s challenges with patience, trust in God’s justice, and a focus on righteousness. It serves as a reminder that God’s timing is perfect and that His ultimate judgment will prevail, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked. These timeless messages of faith, patience, and righteousness continue to resonate with believers today, offering hope and encouragement in the midst of trials and tribulations.

Psalms 37:12-15

The verse in Psalms 37:12-15 reads: “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.” The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.”

This section of the Psalms depicts a vivid contrast between the actions and intentions of the wicked versus the righteous. The wicked are seen plotting against the righteous, displaying anger and hostility towards those who follow God’s ways. However, the psalmist reassures the readers that the Lord is aware of the wicked’s schemes and will ultimately bring justice. Despite the wicked’s attempts at harming the innocent, the Lord’s sovereignty and power surpasses their evil deeds.

The imagery of the wicked drawing swords and bending bows to harm the poor and upright serves as a symbolic representation of the constant battle between good and evil. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous accounts where the wicked plot against the righteous. For instance, the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis where his brothers plotted against him out of jealousy, or the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, exemplify the ongoing theme of the righteous facing persecution at the hands of the wicked.

The verse serves as a reminder to trust in the Lord’s ultimate authority and justice, even in the face of adversity. It illustrates the concept of reaping what one sows, as the wicked will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. This aligns with other verses in the Bible, such as Galatians 6:7, which states, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Psalms 37:12-15 delivers a powerful message of hope and faith to believers, assuring them that God sees the injustices they face and will bring about justice in due time. It encourages readers to persevere in righteousness, knowing that God’s justice will prevail over the wicked schemes of the world.

Psalms 37:16-20

A few key sections in Psalm 37:16-20 can be broken down for a deeper understanding of the text.

Firstly, let’s look at verse 16: “Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.” This verse emphasizes the value of righteousness over material wealth. It speaks to the idea that living a righteous life, even if it means having less in terms of material possessions, is more valuable in the eyes of God than the wealth accumulated through wicked means. This sentiment aligns with other biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of living a righteous and virtuous life, such as Proverbs 15:16, which states: “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.”

Moving on to verses 17 and 18: “For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever.” These verses provide assurance that God will ultimately uphold and protect the righteous. The imagery of the arms of the wicked being broken signifies the downfall of those who act in wickedness. The promise that the heritage of the blameless will remain forever reflects the eternal rewards that await those who remain faithful to God. This idea of God’s protection and reward for the righteous is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”

Verse 19 states: “They are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.” This verse highlights the faithfulness of God to sustain and provide for the righteous even in times of difficulty and scarcity. It speaks to the unwavering support and provision that God offers to those who trust in Him. This message is echoed in Psalm 34:10, which proclaims: “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

Lastly, verse 20 reads: “But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.” This verse serves as a reminder of the ultimate fate of the wicked. Despite any temporary success or prosperity they may experience, their end is destruction. Their fleeting glory is contrasted with the enduring heritage of the righteous. This verse aligns with other passages in the Bible that warn of the consequences of wickedness, such as Proverbs 24:20, which cautions: “for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out. Psalm 37:16-20 conveys a message of hope, assurance, and divine justice. It calls believers to trust in God’s provision, to prioritize righteousness over worldly wealth, and to have faith in the ultimate victory of the righteous over the wicked. This passage serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him.

Psalms 37:21-26

The verses in Psalms 37:21-26 can be broken down into different sections, each carrying a significant message. Delve into each of these passages. “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
Here, a sharp contrast is drawn between the actions of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked are depicted as those who borrow with no intention of repaying, reflecting their deceitful and selfish nature. On the other hand, the righteous are characterized by their generosity and willingness to give. This stark juxtaposition underlines the importance of integrity and honesty in the eyes of God. It emphasizes the value of righteousness and the consequences of greed and dishonesty.

1. “Those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed.”
   This verse illustrates the concept of divine justice and retribution. It suggests that those who are favored by the Lord will be rewarded with blessings and inheritances, while those who incur His wrath will face destruction. This echoes the biblical theme of the ultimate triumph of the righteous and the downfall of the wicked, as seen in various other scriptures such as Proverbs 3:33, which states, “The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.”

2. “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
   These verses offer comfort and assurance to the faithful. They convey the idea that those who delight in the Lord and walk in His ways will be supported and sustained by Him. Even in times of trial or difficulty, God will uphold them and prevent their ultimate downfall. This depiction of God’s unwavering support for His followers reinforces the theme of divine providence and protection present throughout the Bible. God’s promises to His people reflect trustworthiness, as expressed in verses like Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.””

3. “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.”
   The psalmist reflects on a lifetime of experiences and observations, testifying to the faithfulness of God in providing for the righteous. This retrospective commentary serves to reinforce the enduring nature of God’s blessings and protection for those who walk in His ways. The mention of the righteous being generous and their children being a blessing highlights the idea of generational blessings that extend beyond an individual’s lifetime. This idea is reiterated in passages like Psalm 112:2, which declares, “Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.”

Psalms 37:27-33

The verses in Psalms 37:27-33 can be broken down into a few important sections that convey valuable messages. Let’s uncover the meanings and significance of each section by delving into them.

1. “Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.” – This verse emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life. It speaks to the idea that by turning away from evil and choosing to do good, one can find a lasting place in God’s presence and blessings. The concept of turning away from evil and doing good is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. “Do not turn to the right hand nor to the left; remove your foot from evil,” is written in Proverbs 4:27.” This instruction echoes the message in Psalms 37, highlighting the importance of righteousness and obedience to God’s commandments to live a fulfilled life.

2. “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.” – This verse reassures believers of God’s love and faithfulness to those who follow his ways. It echoes a consistent theme in the Bible that showcases God’s unwavering love and commitment to his people. Throughout the Old Testament, we see numerous examples of God’s faithfulness to the just and the faithful. The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis is a powerful illustration of this theme. Despite facing hardships and betrayal, Joseph remained faithful to God, and in the end, God elevated him to a position of power and honor. This verse in Psalms 37 serves as a reminder that God’s love and faithfulness are steadfast, offering comfort and hope to those who trust in Him.

3. “The wicked will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish.” – This verse underscores the ultimate fate of the wicked. It serves as a warning about the consequences of leading a sinful life and straying from God’s path. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of the downfall of the wicked and the consequences of their actions. We witness the fate of Pharaoh and the Egyptians who oppressed the Israelites in the book of Exodus. Despite multiple warnings, they persisted in their wickedness, leading to their eventual destruction. This verse in Psalms 37 echoes the principle of divine justice and the assurance that God will ultimately judge the wicked and their descendants.

4. “The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.” – This final verse in the passage highlights the promise of inheritance for the righteous. It speaks to the eternal blessings and rewards that await those who faithfully follow God’s commands. The idea of inheriting the land is significant in biblical context, symbolizing not only physical land but also spiritual blessings and a place in God’s kingdom. Jesus affirms this concept in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:5, saying, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”” This verse in Psalms 37 reinforces the biblical theme of the righteous being heirs to God’s promises and dwelling in His presence for eternity. Psalms 37:27-33 conveys timeless messages about the importance of righteousness, God’s faithfulness, divine justice, and the eternal inheritance of the righteous. Through these verses, believers are encouraged to turn away from evil, trust in God’s love and faithfulness, and have confidence in the ultimate victory of righteousness over wickedness. The passage serves as a source of comfort, guidance, and assurance for those who seek to live according to God’s will.

Psalms 37:34-40

A beautiful section filled with encouragement and wisdom is seen in Psalms 37:34-40. Let’s break it down into its important sections for a detailed commentary.

First, in verse 34, the Psalmist states, “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.” Here, the importance of patience, faith, and obedience to God’s ways is highlighted. The Psalmist urges the reader to trust in the Lord’s timing and to remain steadfast in following His commands. The concept of inheriting the land is significant in the context of the Bible, as it often symbolizes God’s promises and blessings to His people. This verse speaks to the overarching theme of justice prevailing over the wicked in due time, a common motif found in the Bible.

Moving on to verses 35 and 36, the focus is on the fate of the wicked compared to the righteous. The Psalmist describes how the wicked may flourish for a time, but ultimately their end is destruction. This mirrors the biblical narrative of the rise and fall of various sinful individuals or nations throughout history. Meanwhile, the righteous are depicted as enduring and ultimately receiving God’s deliverance. This underscores the timeless truth that righteousness and faithfulness to God will be rewarded, while wickedness leads to ruin. This sentiment is echoed in other verses such as Proverbs 2:21-22, which speaks of the upright inhabiting the land while the treacherous are rooted out of it. The contrast between the righteous and the wicked is further emphasized in verses 37 and 38. The Psalmist speaks of the future of those who embrace peace and righteousness, contrasting them with those who engage in evil and deceit. This serves as a reminder that the choices we make have long-lasting consequences, both in this life and the next. The idea of the wicked being destroyed and the salvation of the righteous is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in passages like Proverbs 24:20, where it states, “for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.”

Lastly, the Psalm closes with verses 39 and 40, affirming God’s protection and deliverance for the righteous. The Psalmist reassures the reader that the Lord is their stronghold in times of trouble, and He will help them and rescue them from the wicked. This conclusion highlights the faithfulness and goodness of God towards those who trust in Him. It echoes the sentiment expressed in other verses such as Psalm 34:17-18, which assures that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalms 37:34-40 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring principles of faith, patience, righteousness, and trust in God’s sovereignty. It encourages believers to persevere in the face of adversity, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous and bring justice to the wicked. This passage not only provides comfort and assurance to the faithful but also challenges us to live in accordance with God’s will, knowing that He is our ultimate refuge and deliverer.

After Psalms 37

Psalm 37 reminds us of the faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting in Him. The psalmist encourages us to commit our ways to the Lord and to be patient, for He will bring about justice and righteousness in due time. As we meditate on these words, let us remember that God is our refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. Let us hold fast to the promises of God and continue seeking His will in all that we do. We should keep our hearts focused on Him as we move forward, knowing that He is faithful to guide us and protect us. May we find peace and strength in His presence, and may we always remember that He is our ultimate source of hope and salvation.