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Psalms 37

1

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against 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; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

7

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

9

For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

10

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

13

The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

14

The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

15

Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16

A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

17

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.

18

The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

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 shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

21

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

22

For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

23

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

24

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

25

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26

He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

27

Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28

For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

30

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

31

The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

32

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh 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 thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

35

I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

36

Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

38

But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

39

But the salvation of the righteous is of 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.

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Psalms 37

Psalm 37 is a wisdom meditating on the contrast between wicked's temporary prosperity and righteous's ultimate vindication, exemplifying the theological concerns of Book 2. The psalmist employs vivid imagery and direct address to God, establishing the intimate dialogue between worshiper and the divine that characterizes the psalmic tradition. The theological assertions center on God's character as both judge and redeemer, creating a comprehensive vision of divine justice and mercy integrated with human experience. The psalm reflects on both personal circumstance and communal identity, suggesting that individual faith finds validation through shared experience with the covenant community. The liturgical context indicates this psalm's function in worship where personal piety integrates with communal celebration of God's acts and attributes. The concluding movement typically affirms confidence in God's faithfulness, exemplifying the psalmic pattern of transformation through prayer and remembrance of divine acts throughout history.

Psalms 37:1

The psalmist opens with a wise exhortation: 'Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of those who do wrong.' The verb 'fret' suggests the anxiety and disturbance that arises from witnessing injustice and the apparent success of the wicked. The exhortation not to be envious suggests that the temptation facing the righteous is to desire to imitate the wicked and share in their apparent prosperity. The opening establishes the fundamental problem the psalm addresses: the righteous facing the injustice of the world.

Psalms 37:2

The psalmist assures that the wicked will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. The imagery of grass and herbs suggests that the wicked, though appearing vital and flourishing, lack permanence and substance. The verb 'fade' emphasizes the inevitability of their decline. This verse establishes the first principle of wisdom: the apparent success of the wicked is illusory and temporary.

Psalms 37:3

The psalmist exhorts 'Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.' The imperative to trust establishes that the proper response to witnessing injustice is not anxiety but faith in God's ultimate justice. The promise to 'dwell in the land' suggests that the righteous will inherit the land while the wicked are removed. This verse establishes the proper posture for the righteous: trust in God combined with virtuous living.

Psalms 37:4

The psalmist advises 'Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.' The command to delight emphasizes that faith should involve joy and pleasure, not grim duty. The promise that God will grant the desires of those who delight in God establishes that alignment with God results in the fulfillment of what one truly desires. This verse suggests that the desires of those who genuinely love God will themselves be righteous and worthy of fulfillment.

Psalms 37:5

The psalmist advises 'Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.' The verb 'commit' suggests the entrusting of one's plans and purposes to God's care and guidance. The promise 'he will act' establishes that God will intervene on behalf of those who trust. This verse emphasizes that while humans must take responsibility for their conduct, the ultimate outcome depends on God's intervention.

Psalms 37:6

The psalmist promises that God will 'make your vindication shine like the light and your justice like the noonday sun.' The imagery of light emphasizes the clarity and visibility of vindication: what may appear hidden will eventually be revealed. The comparison to noonday suggests brightness that cannot be missed or misunderstood. This verse assures that God's justice will ultimately be made manifest.

Psalms 37:7

The psalmist advises 'Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret about those who prosper in their way.' The command to be still and wait patiently establishes that faith involves patience and the trust that God's timing is appropriate. The renewed warning against fretting emphasizes that this is the central struggle for the righteous. This verse establishes patience and stillness as spiritual virtues.

Psalms 37:8

The psalmist advises 'Refrain from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only leads to evil.' The emphasis on controlling anger and wrath suggests that witnessing injustice naturally generates these emotions. The warning that fretting leads to evil suggests that the anxiety over injustice can result in the adoption of the wicked's methods. This verse establishes emotional discipline as crucial to maintaining righteousness.

Psalms 37:9

The psalmist declares 'For evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.' The promise that evildoers will be removed and the righteous will inherit establishes the ultimate direction of history. The verb 'inherit' suggests not merely possessing but being established with permanent security. This verse affirms that ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.

Psalms 37:10

The psalmist observes 'A little while and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.' The phrase 'a little while' suggests that the period of wickedness's apparent dominance is brief in cosmic perspective. The promise that searching will not find them suggests their complete disappearance. This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of wickedness.

Psalms 37:11

The psalmist declares 'But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.' The elevation of the meek as inheritors suggests that ultimate blessing belongs not to the powerful but to the humble. The promise of 'great peace' suggests comprehensive flourishing and rest. This verse establishes that true security and blessing belong to the meek.

Psalms 37:12

The psalmist observes that the wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them. The imagery of gnashing teeth suggests intense hostility and predatory behavior. This observation acknowledges that the righteous do face active opposition from the wicked. The verse sets up the contrast that despite this opposition, the righteous will ultimately prevail.

Psalms 37:13

The psalmist declares 'The LORD laughs at the wicked, for he sees that their day is coming.' The image of God laughing suggests divine derision and the perspective that the wicked's threats are ultimately insignificant. The affirmation that God sees that 'their day is coming' suggests that God perceives the approaching judgment of the wicked. This verse establishes that God's perspective transcends the temporal moment and perceives the ultimate fate of the wicked.

Psalms 37:14

The psalmist describes how the wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy. The imagery of weapons suggests active and violent assault against the vulnerable. This verse acknowledges the reality of the wicked's violence against the righteous.

Psalms 37:15

The psalmist declares 'But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.' The principle of poetic justice manifests: the weapons of the wicked will be turned against them. The promise that their bows will be broken suggests the reversal of the violence they intended. This verse establishes that wickedness is ultimately self-defeating.

Psalms 37:16

The psalmist declares 'Better is the little that the righteous have than the abundance of many wicked.' The comparison establishes that quality supersedes quantity: the modest possessions of the righteous are of greater value than the wealth accumulated through wickedness. The verse suggests that righteousness provides true security despite material lack.

Psalms 37:17

The psalmist affirms 'For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.' The contrast suggests that God actively supports and strengthens the righteous while weakening the wicked. The verb 'upholds' suggests sustained divine support. This verse establishes that God actively intervenes in favor of the righteous.

Psalms 37:18

The psalmist declares 'The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will endure forever.' The affirmation that God 'knows' the days of the righteous emphasizes divine attention and care. The promise of an inheritance that endures forever suggests permanent security. This verse establishes that the righteous have ultimate security in God's knowledge and care.

Psalms 37:19

The psalmist declares 'In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.' The promise that the righteous will not wither even in disaster suggests internal stability grounded in God. The promise of plenty in famine emphasizes God's provision. This verse assures that God's care for the righteous extends even through severe trials.

Psalms 37:20

The psalmist declares 'But the wicked will perish: though the LORD's enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.' The comparison of enemies to flowers suggests that while they appear beautiful and vital, they are temporary and will be consumed. The promise that they will 'go up in smoke' suggests complete and utter destruction. This verse emphasizes the inevitable doom of the wicked.

Psalms 37:21

The psalmist observes 'The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.' The contrast between borrowing without repaying and generous giving establishes the difference in character: the wicked seize what is not theirs, while the righteous give what is theirs. This verse suggests that generosity and trustworthiness characterize the righteous.

Psalms 37:22

The psalmist declares 'Those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.' The contrast between blessing and curse, inheritance and severance, establishes that God's favor determines fate. The verb 'inherit the land' suggests permanent security and establishment. This verse affirms that God's blessing and curse determine the ultimate outcome.

Psalms 37:23

The psalmist declares 'The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.' The affirmation that God makes firm the steps suggests divine guidance and support. The verb 'delight' emphasizes that God sustains those whose joy is found in God. This verse establishes that those who love God receive divine direction and support.

Psalms 37:24

The psalmist declares 'Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.' The acknowledgment that the righteous may stumble suggests that they are not perfect and do fall into difficulty. However, the promise that they will not fall utterly suggests divine intervention that prevents total defeat. This verse provides comfort to those who stumble, assuring them that God's hand will sustain them.

Psalms 37:25

The psalmist reflects 'I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.' The reflection based on personal observation across a lifetime affirms that God provides for the righteous. The specific mention that children are not reduced to begging suggests that God's provision extends across generations. This verse invokes the psalmist's experience as testimony to God's faithfulness.

Psalms 37:26

The psalmist observes 'They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.' The connection between generosity in the parents and blessing on the children suggests that virtue produces blessing across generations. The emphasis on lending freely establishes that generosity characterizes the righteous. This verse indicates that the blessings of righteousness extend to one's descendants.

Psalms 37:27

The psalmist advises 'Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.' The exhortation combines the negative (turn from evil) and positive (do good) dimensions of righteousness. The promise of dwelling in the land forever suggests permanent security and establishment. This verse encapsulates the practical pathway to blessing.

Psalms 37:28

The psalmist declares 'For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.' The affirmation of God's love for the just establishes that God's commitment to the righteous is rooted in God's character. The promise that God will not forsake his faithful ones assures permanence of the relationship. This verse establishes the security of those whose lives are aligned with God's justice.

Psalms 37:29

The psalmist declares 'The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.' The repetition of the promise of inheriting the land and dwelling forever emphasizes its centrality. The word 'forever' suggests not merely a long time but eternal permanence. This verse establishes the ultimate vision: permanent establishment of the righteous in God's kingdom.

Psalms 37:30

The psalmist declares 'The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.' The emphasis on speech suggests that righteousness manifests through wise and just words. The attribution of wisdom and justice to the righteous' speech suggests that their words reflect God's truth. This verse establishes that righteousness includes not merely external conduct but virtuous speech.

Psalms 37:31

The psalmist declares 'The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.' The assertion that God's law is inscribed in the heart of the righteous suggests that righteousness flows from internal orientation rather than external constraint. The promise that feet do not slip suggests stability and security. This verse establishes that the righteous who have internalized God's law maintain steadfast conduct.

Psalms 37:32

The psalmist observes 'The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives.' The acknowledgment that the wicked actively pursue harm against the righteous introduces a new element of realism. The intensity of the pursuit—seeking their lives—indicates serious threat. This verse sets up the promise that despite this threat, God's protection will prevail.

Psalms 37:33

The psalmist declares 'But the LORD will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial.' The affirmation that God will not abandon the righteous to their enemies suggests divine intervention in their defense. The specific mention of not letting them be condemned at trial suggests that God provides vindication even in formal legal proceedings. This verse assures protection specifically in the context of persecution and accusation.

Psalms 37:34

The psalmist advises 'Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land.' The exhortation to wait and keep God's way emphasizes patient obedience. The promise of exaltation and inheritance of the land suggests that God will ultimately establish the righteous in honor and security. This verse returns to the central promise: those who faithfully follow God will ultimately be established.

Psalms 37:35

The psalmist observes 'I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil.' The observation of the wicked's flourishing acknowledges the reality of the righteous' struggle: the wicked do appear to succeed. The imagery of flourishing like a green tree in native soil suggests the appearance of deep-rooted permanence. This observation introduces a moment of doubt before the ultimate affirmation.

Psalms 37:36

The psalmist continues 'But he soon passed away and was no more; though I sought for him, he could not be found.' The promise that the wicked's flourishing is temporary and complete resolution swift provides comfort. The image of searching unsuccessfully for the wicked suggests their complete disappearance. This verse resolves the moment of doubt: the wicked's flourishing is indeed temporary.

Psalms 37:37

The psalmist declares 'Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.' The final exhortation directs the righteous to observe those who walk righteously and to recognize that they have a future. The promise of a future for those who seek peace emphasizes hope and permanence. This verse invites the righteous to recognise the security of the virtuous life.

Psalms 37:38

The psalmist declares 'But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.' The final declaration of the fate of sinners provides closure to the extended meditation. The promise that sinners will be destroyed and the wicked's future cut off affirms that wickedness has no permanence. This verse concludes with the finality of judgment on the wicked.

Psalms 37:39

The psalmist declares 'The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.' The assertion that salvation comes from God and that God is the stronghold of the righteous in trouble encapsulates the central message: ultimate security and vindication belong to the righteous through God's intervention. This verse affirms the conclusion that God is the sure foundation.

Psalms 37:40

The psalm concludes with the declaration 'The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.' The repetition of 'delivers' and 'saves' emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's deliverance. The condition 'because they take refuge in him' establishes that the salvation promised is available to those who rely on God. The psalm ends by affirming that those who seek shelter in God will experience complete deliverance from all threats.