‏ Psalms 37

Trusting God Instead of Envying the Wicked

This psalm teaches us how to live faithfully for God, even when we see evil people succeed. David encourages us not just to understand these truths, but to put them into practice in our lives. The instructions are clear: don’t be upset or jealous when those who do wrong seem to prosper. Instead, focus on trusting God and following Him, because His way is best in the end.

v. 1–2: David warns us not to be troubled or jealous of people who do evil and appear to be successful. He says, Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity (Psalm 37:1 ^a). Their success is temporary. Just like grass or green plants, they may look strong for a short time, but soon they will wither and be gone (Psalm 37:2 ^b).

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v. 3: We are told to trust in the Lord and do good. David promises that if we do this, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed . God will make sure His people have what they need, even if they do not become rich or powerful. He will take care of those who trust Him, just as a shepherd cares for his sheep (Psalm 23:1 ^c).

v. 4: David instructs us to delight in God. He says, Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart . If we find our greatest joy in God, He will fulfill the true desires of our hearts—the desire to know Him, love Him, and please Him.

v. 5–6: We are told to commit our way to the Lord and trust Him with our problems. David says, Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5 ^d). God will take care of us and, in the right time, will make our honesty and faithfulness shine like the light of day (Psalm 37:6 ^e). Even if people lie about us or trouble comes, God will show what is true and right.

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Rest in the Lord and Wait Patiently

This section teaches us to trust God and be patient, even when it seems like evil people are succeeding. David is encouraging us not to be upset or worried when we see people doing wrong and seeming to get away with it. Instead, we should focus on trusting God, doing good, and waiting for Him to act in His perfect time.

v. 7: Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass (Psalm 37:7 ^f). This verse tells us to be still before God and trust Him. We should not let ourselves get upset or jealous when we see wicked people doing well. Instead, we should be calm and let God handle things. Waiting for God means trusting His timing and not trying to fix everything ourselves. If we see people using evil plans to get ahead, we should not let it make us angry or lose faith. God sees what is happening, and He will deal with them in His time. Our part is to remain peaceful and patient, knowing that God is in control.

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Exhortations and Promises

In these verses, David continues to give practical advice on how to live a life that pleases God. He teaches that happiness and security come from following God's ways, not from doing evil or envying the wicked. David lists qualities of a righteous person and explains the blessings that come from living by faith and obedience. He also gives promises for those who trust in the Lord, encouraging believers to stay faithful even in difficult times.

v. 21: David warns that wicked people borrow and do not pay back, but righteous people are generous and give to others. He says, The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth . God’s people should be honest and charitable.

v. 22: Those blessed by God will inherit the land, while those cursed by Him will be cut off. David writes, For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off . True security comes from God’s blessing.

v. 23: God guides the steps of good people. David says, The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way . God leads the righteous and is pleased with their path.

v. 24: Even when a righteous person falls into trouble or makes a mistake, God will not let him be destroyed. David says, Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand . God lifts up those who trust in Him.

v. 25: David shares his own experience, saying, I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread . God takes care of His faithful people and their families.

v. 26: Righteous people are always ready to help others. David says, He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed . Generosity brings blessings to their descendants.

v. 27: David urges everyone to turn from evil and do good. He says, Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore . Choosing God’s way leads to lasting security.

v. 28: God loves justice and will not abandon His faithful people. David says, For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever . God keeps His people safe, and their future is secure with Him.

v. 29: The righteous will inherit the land and live there forever. David says, The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever . This points to God’s promise of an everlasting home for His people.

v. 30–31: David describes a righteous person’s speech and heart. He says, The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide (Psalm 37:30–31 ^g). Those who love God’s Word speak wisely and walk securely.

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v. 32–33: The wicked may try to harm the righteous, but God will not let them succeed. David says, The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged (Psalm 37:32–33 ^h). God protects His faithful people from their enemies, both now and forever.

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Exhortations and Promises

David concludes this psalm with the same themes he has repeated throughout: trust in God, follow His ways, and wait patiently for Him. He contrasts the destiny of the wicked with the blessings promised to the righteous. This final section encourages believers to hold fast to their faith, knowing that God's justice and salvation will prevail.

v. 34: David instructs us to Wait on the Lord, and keep his way . This means trusting in God’s timing and continuing to follow His commands, even when things seem difficult. Those who stay faithful will be exalted and inherit the land, while the wicked will be cut off.

v. 35–36: David reflects on the temporary success of the wicked. He says, I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree (Psalm 37:35 ⁱ). But their prosperity does not last. They pass away, and soon they are gone, leaving no trace behind (Psalm 37:36 ^j).

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v. 37: David encourages us to observe the lives of the righteous. He says, Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace . While the wicked face destruction, the righteous find peace and comfort, both in this life and in eternity.

v. 38: In contrast, the wicked will be destroyed. David writes, The transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off . Their rebellion against God leads to their downfall and eternal separation from Him.

v. 39–40: David concludes with a promise of salvation for the righteous. He says, The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble (Psalm 37:39 ^k). God helps and delivers those who trust in Him. He saves them from the wicked and blesses them because they have placed their confidence in Him (Psalm 37:40 ^l).

David’s final words remind us that trusting in God and living righteously are always worth it. While the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their end is destruction. However, those who follow God will find peace, protection, and eternal salvation. God is faithful to His promises, and He will not forsake those who trust in Him.