Psalms 37
Psalm 37 is classified as a wisdom psalm, and its distinctive feature is that it repeatedly presents contrasting pictures of the lives of the wicked and the righteous. It is known that David wrote this psalm in his old age, sharing wisdom for life based on his personal experiences. In particular, regarding the reality that appears unfair—when the wicked prosper for a time while the righteous face hardships—it encourages readers to persevere and live according to righteousness. The overall flow of the psalm begins with ‘Do not envy the wicked’, to trust in God and do what is good, to commit your way to God and wait patiently, and then to be confident in the future and deliverance of the righteous.
1verseBy David. Don’t fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness.
2verseFor they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb.
3verseTrust in the LORD, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture.
4verseAlso delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5verseCommit your way to the LORD. Trust also in him, and he will do this:
6versehe will make your righteousness shine out like light, and your justice as the noon day sun.
7verseRest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen.
8verseCease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret; it leads only to evildoing.
9verseFor evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
10verseFor yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more. Yes, though you look for his place, he isn’t there.
11verseBut the humble shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12verseThe wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth.
13verseThe Lord will laugh at him, for he sees that his day is coming.
14verseThe wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to kill those who are upright on the path.
15verseTheir sword shall enter into their own heart. Their bows shall be broken.
16verseBetter is a little that the righteous has, than the abundance of many wicked.
17verseFor the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.
18verseThe LORD knows the days of the perfect. Their inheritance shall be forever.
19verseThey shall not be disappointed in the time of evil. In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20verseBut the wicked shall perish. The enemies of the LORD shall be like the beauty of the fields. They will vanish— vanish like smoke.
21verseThe wicked borrow, and don’t pay back, but the righteous give generously.
22verseFor such as are blessed by him shall inherit the land. Those who are cursed by him shall be cut off.
23verseA man’s steps are established by the LORD. He delights in his way.
24verseThough he stumble, he shall not fall, for the LORD holds him up with his hand.
25verseI have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread.
26verseAll day long he deals graciously, and lends. His offspring is blessed.
27verseDepart from evil, and do good. Live securely forever.
28verseFor the LORD loves justice, and doesn’t forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29verseThe righteous shall inherit the land, and live in it forever.
30verseThe mouth of the righteous talks of wisdom. His tongue speaks justice.
31verseThe law of his God is in his heart. None of his steps shall slide.
32verseThe wicked watch the righteous, and seek to kill him.
33verseThe LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34verseWait for the LORD, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
35verseI have seen the wicked in great power, spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
36verseBut he passed away, and behold, he was not. Yes, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37verseMark the perfect man, and see the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.
38verseAs for transgressors, they shall be destroyed together. The future of the wicked shall be cut off.
39verseBut the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD. He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
40verseThe LORD helps them and rescues them. He rescues them from the wicked and saves them, because they have taken refuge in him.
Key Lessons and Message
- Do not be swayed by the prosperity of the wicked: Psalm 37 emphasizes again and again that even if the wicked in the world seem to prosper temporarily, they will ultimately disappear and be destroyed.
- A life that relies on the LORD: The righteous declare that they are under God’s protection and guidance, and it teaches that placing hope in God and living righteously is the true blessing.
- Perseverance and waiting: At times, you may feel frustrated in the face of the absurdities of reality, but it encourages you to persevere and not grow impatient. From God’s perspective, it prompts you to reflect on the fact that in the end, the righteous will receive blessing.
Meditation Points
- To what extent am I being influenced by the world’s injustice and prosperity?
- Let me reflect on whether my life’s standard is aligned solely with God’s perspective and guidance.
Put It Into Practice for Yourself
- Today, in choices both big and small, you can decide to live with a standard of faith.
- Whenever impatience and dissatisfaction arise, you can try practicing by meditating on the words of Psalm 37 and once again committing yourself to God
