Psalms 37
BSB1 Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. 2 For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants. 3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. 6 He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. 9 For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. 10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. 11 But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity. 12 The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, 13 but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. 15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. 16 Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. 18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will last forever. 19 In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied. 20 But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away. 21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving. 22 Surely those He blesses will inherit the land, but the cursed will be destroyed. 23 The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. 24 Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand. 25 I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread. 26 They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing. 27 Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever. 28 For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. 29 The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. 30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not falter. 32 Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, 33 the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment. 34 Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it. 35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, 36 yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found. 37 Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace. 38 But the transgressors will all be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off. 39 The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. 40 The LORD helps and delivers them; He rescues and saves them from the wicked, because they take refuge in Him.
Study Notes — Psalms 37
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 37
- Themes from Psalms 37
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 37
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 37 begins by warning believers not to fret or envy the prosperity of the wicked, for their prosperity is short-lived (Psalms 37:1-2). Instead, believers are instructed to trust in God, do good, and dwell in the land, for God will give them the desires of their heart (Psalms 37:3-4). The chapter then contrasts the way of the wicked with the way of the righteous, noting that the wicked will ultimately be cut off, while the righteous will inherit the land (Psalms 37:9-11, 20-22). The psalmist encourages believers to wait patiently for God to act, knowing that He will not forsake them (Psalms 37:7, 23-24). The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's providence and living a life of obedience and faithfulness (Psalms 37:27, 31, 37).
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 37 is a wisdom psalm that is part of the larger collection of psalms in the Hebrew Bible. The chapter is attributed to David, who wrote many of the psalms in this collection. The psalm is likely set in a context of persecution or opposition, where the wicked seem to be prospering while the righteous are suffering. The psalmist's emphasis on trusting in God's providence and living a life of obedience and faithfulness is relevant to all believers, regardless of their circumstances. The chapter's themes of trust, obedience, and God's providence are also reflected in other biblical passages, such as Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to trust in God's providence and live a life of obedience and faithfulness. This means waiting patiently for Him to act, even in the face of evil and injustice. By trusting in God, we can experience the fulfillment of our deepest longings and find peace in the midst of trials. We must also be mindful of the contrast between the way of the wicked and the way of the righteous, recognizing that our choices have consequences and that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 37 teaches us to trust in God's providence and live a life of obedience and faithfulness. We must wait patiently for Him to act, even in the face of evil and injustice, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked. By trusting in God, we can experience the fulfillment of our deepest longings and find peace in the midst of trials, as seen in Psalms 37:4 and 7.
Voices from the Church
“The psalmist does not say, 'Fret not, for the wicked will never prosper,' but 'Fret not, for their prosperity is short-lived.'”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The righteous must wait patiently for God to act, knowing that His ways are not our ways and His timing is not our timing.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: Do not fret because of the wicked (Psalms 37:1-2) — The psalmist begins by warning believers not to fret or envy the prosperity of the wicked, for their prosperity is short-lived.
- Trust in God and do good (Psalms 37:3-7) — The psalmist instructs believers to trust in God, do good, and dwell in the land, for God will give them the desires of their heart.
- Contrast between the wicked and the righteous (Psalms 37:8-11) — The psalmist contrasts the way of the wicked with the way of the righteous, noting that the wicked will ultimately be cut off, while the righteous will inherit the land.
- God's providence and timing (Psalms 37:12-20) — The psalmist highlights God's providence and timing, encouraging believers to wait patiently for Him to act.
- Conclusion: Trust in God and live a life of obedience and faithfulness (Psalms 37:21-40) — The psalmist concludes by emphasizing the importance of trusting in God and living a life of obedience and faithfulness, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked.
Core Doctrines
- Providence
- Psalms 37 teaches that God is actively involved in the lives of believers, working all things together for their good (Psalms 37:3-4, 23-24).
- Justification by faith
- The psalmist's emphasis on trusting in God and living a life of obedience and faithfulness reflects the doctrine of justification by faith, where believers are declared righteous by God through their trust in Him (Psalms 37:3-4, 27, 31).
- Sanctification
- The psalmist's instruction to do good and dwell in the land reflects the doctrine of sanctification, where believers are called to live a life of obedience and faithfulness to God (Psalms 37:3-4, 27, 31).
- Eschatology
- The psalmist's contrast between the way of the wicked and the way of the righteous reflects the doctrine of eschatology, where believers look forward to the ultimate vindication of the righteous and the judgment of the wicked (Psalms 37:9-11, 20-22).
Lessons from Psalms 37
- Trust in God's providence — Believers must trust in God's providence, knowing that He is actively involved in their lives and working all things together for their good.
- Live a life of obedience and faithfulness — Believers must live a life of obedience and faithfulness to God, trusting in His goodness and providence.
- Wait patiently for God to act — Believers must wait patiently for God to act, even in the face of evil and injustice, knowing that His ways are not our ways and His timing is not our timing.
- Recognize the contrast between the wicked and the righteous — Believers must recognize the contrast between the way of the wicked and the way of the righteous, knowing that the wicked will ultimately be cut off, while the righteous will inherit the land.
- Apply the doctrine of sanctification to your life — Believers must apply the doctrine of sanctification to their lives, living a life of obedience and faithfulness to God, and trusting in His goodness and providence.
Themes from Psalms 37
- Trust in God's providence — The psalmist emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's providence, knowing that He is actively involved in the lives of believers and working all things together for their good.
- Obedience and faithfulness — The psalmist instructs believers to live a life of obedience and faithfulness to God, trusting in His goodness and providence.
- Contrast between the wicked and the righteous — The psalmist contrasts the way of the wicked with the way of the righteous, noting that the wicked will ultimately be cut off, while the righteous will inherit the land.
- God's timing and ways — The psalmist highlights God's timing and ways, encouraging believers to wait patiently for Him to act, even in the face of evil and injustice.
- Ultimate vindication of the righteous — The psalmist looks forward to the ultimate vindication of the righteous and the judgment of the wicked, knowing that God will ultimately act on behalf of His people.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can trust in God's providence and live a life of obedience and faithfulness in the midst of trials?
- How does the contrast between the way of the wicked and the way of the righteous encourage you to live a life of obedience and faithfulness to God?
- What are some ways that you can wait patiently for God to act, even in the face of evil and injustice?
- How does the doctrine of justification by faith reflect the psalmist's emphasis on trusting in God and living a life of obedience and faithfulness?
- What are some ways that you can apply the doctrine of sanctification to your life, living a life of obedience and faithfulness to God?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: Do not fret because of the wicked (Psalms 37:1-2)
| 37:1 | The psalmist begins by warning believers not to fret or envy the prosperity of the wicked, for their prosperity is short-lived. |
| 37:2 | The wicked will be cut off, but the righteous will inherit the land. |
2. Trust in God and do good (Psalms 37:3-7)
| 37:3 | The psalmist instructs believers to trust in God, do good, and dwell in the land, for God will give them the desires of their heart. |
| 37:4 | The psalmist encourages believers to take delight in God, and He will give them the desires of their heart. |
| 37:5 | The psalmist instructs believers to commit their way to God, and He will act. |
| 37:6 | The psalmist promises that God will make the righteousness of believers shine like the dawn, and their justice like the noonday sun. |
| 37:7 | The psalmist encourages believers to wait patiently for God to act, and to trust in Him. |
3. Contrast between the wicked and the righteous (Psalms 37:8-11)
| 37:8 | The psalmist warns believers not to fret or be envious of the wicked, for they will soon wither like the grass. |
| 37:9 | The wicked will be cut off, but the righteous will inherit the land. |
| 37:10 | A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. |
| 37:11 | But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. |
4. God's providence and timing (Psalms 37:12-20)
| 37:12 | The wicked plot against the righteous, but God laughs at them, for He knows their day is coming. |
| 37:13 | The Lord has seen it, and it displeases Him that the wicked oppress the righteous. |
| 37:14 | The wicked draw their swords and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those who are upright in conduct. |
| 37:15 | But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. |
| 37:16 | Better is the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked. |
| 37:17 | For the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. |
| 37:18 | The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever. |
| 37:19 | They will not be put to shame in the time of evil, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied. |
| 37:20 | But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the Lord are like the beauty of the fields, they vanish—like smoke they vanish away. |
5. Conclusion: Trust in God and live a life of obedience and faithfulness (Psalms 37:21-40)
| 37:21 | The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously. |
| 37:22 | Those blessed by the Lord will inherit the land, but those cursed by Him will be destroyed. |
| 37:23 | The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. |
| 37:24 | When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand. |
| 37:25 | I have been young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. |
| 37:26 | They are always generous and lend freely, and their children become a blessing. |
| 37:27 | Turn away from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. |
| 37:28 | For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. |
| 37:29 | They will be protected forever, but the descendants of the wicked will be cut off. |
| 37:30 | The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. |
| 37:31 | The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip. |
| 37:32 | The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking to put them to death. |
| 37:33 | But the Lord will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial. |
| 37:34 | Wait for the Lord and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it. |
| 37:35 | I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil. |
| 37:36 | But he soon passed away, and lo, he was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found. |
| 37:37 | Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. |
| 37:38 | But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked. |
| 37:39 | The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. |
| 37:40 | The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 37?
The main theme of Psalms 37 is trust in God's providence and living a life of obedience and faithfulness, even in the face of evil and injustice, as seen in Psalms 37:3-4 and 7.
How does the psalmist contrast the way of the wicked with the way of the righteous?
The psalmist contrasts the way of the wicked with the way of the righteous, noting that the wicked will ultimately be cut off, while the righteous will inherit the land, as seen in Psalms 37:9-11 and 20-22.
What is the significance of waiting patiently for God to act?
Waiting patiently for God to act is significant because it demonstrates trust in His providence and timing, even in the face of evil and injustice, as seen in Psalms 37:7 and 23-24.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:1 → Proverbs 24:19-20 | The warning not to fret or envy the prosperity of the wicked is also found in Proverbs 24:19-20. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:3 → Psalms 34:8-10 | The instruction to trust in God and do good is also found in Psalms 34:8-10. |
| 3 | Psalms 37:4 → John 1:1 | The idea of taking delight in God is also found in John 1:1, where Jesus is described as the Word who was with God and was God. |
| 4 | Psalms 37:7 → Isaiah 40:31 | The encouragement to wait patiently for God to act is also found in Isaiah 40:31, where believers are promised that they will soar on wings like eagles. |
| 5 | Psalms 37:9 → Matthew 5:5 | The promise that the meek will inherit the land is also found in Matthew 5:5, where Jesus teaches that the meek will inherit the earth. |
| 6 | Psalms 37:11 → Luke 20:46-47 | The promise that the righteous will inherit the land is also found in Psalms 37:11, where the psalmist looks forward to the ultimate vindication of the righteous. |
| 7 | Psalms 37:14 → Psalms 7:12-13 | The image of the wicked drawing their swords and bending their bows is also found in Psalms 7:12-13, where the psalmist describes the wicked as those who are bent on violence. |
| 8 | Psalms 37:23 → Proverbs 16:9 | The idea that the steps of a man are established by the Lord is also found in Proverbs 16:9, where it is written that a man's heart plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. |
| 9 | Psalms 37:25 → Deuteronomy 15:7-8 | The promise that the righteous will not be forsaken is also found in Deuteronomy 15:7-8, where it is written that the poor will never cease to be in the land. |
| 10 | Psalms 37:31 → Jeremiah 31:33 | The idea that the law of God is in the hearts of the righteous is also found in Jeremiah 31:33, where it is written that God will put His law in their minds and write it on their hearts. |
Sermons on Psalms 37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Receiving the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker, Pastor Dave, shares a story about a farmer who toiled his whole life on a rocky piece of land, only to die in poverty and discouragement. However, afte |
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A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea |
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(Belarus) God Has Risen to Defend His Name by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's promises of provision and protection for his people. He highlights that God has promised that his people will never have to beg for br |
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An Old Doctor's Spiritual Prescription by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and worry that people experience in a world filled with tension and uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's pr |
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 1 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the journey of faith. They encourage listeners to seek solutions and growth in their spiritual |
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When God Stepped Down - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the preacher recounts a powerful revival that took place in a parish during the Lewis revival. The revival was sparked by a young man who read a portion of Psalm 24 |
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Binding the Strongman by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the desire to see Jesus and have a personal encounter with Him. Jesus acknowledges this desire but redirects the attention to His impending |
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"His Plan for Me" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on the poem 'His Plan for Me' and delves into the concept of surrendering to God's will. It explores the idea of standing before Christ at the judgment seat an |
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Christian Freedom: Grow Up and Be Free by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon on Galatians 4:1-18, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity in experiencing freedom in Christ. He distinguishes between age and maturity, statin |
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(Poland) Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares personal anecdotes about his experiences in Broadway and as a preacher. He talks about a show on Broadway that received terrible reviews and onl |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 37
According to Matthew Henry, Psalms 37 is a psalm of instruction, teaching believers to trust in God's providence and live a life of obedience and faithfulness. The psalmist warns against fretting or envying the prosperity of the wicked, encouraging believers instead to trust in God and do good. The psalmist contrasts the way of the wicked with the way of the righteous, noting that the wicked will ultimately be cut off, while the righteous will inherit the land. Henry notes that the psalmist's emphasis on trusting in God and living a life of obedience and faithfulness is a key theme throughout the psalm, and that believers must wait patiently for God to act, even in the face of evil and injustice. As Henry writes, 'The way of the righteous is not always easy, but it is always right, and it will be rewarded in the end.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Contrast between the wicked and the righteous
The psalmist repeatedly contrasts the way of the wicked with the way of the righteous, highlighting the ultimate fate of each group. The wicked will be cut off, while the righteous will inherit the land (Psalms 37:9-11, 20-22).
Importance of trust and obedience
The psalmist emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and living a life of obedience and faithfulness. This is the foundation of the believer's relationship with God and the key to experiencing His peace and security (Psalms 37:3-4, 27, 31).
God's providence and timing
The psalmist highlights God's providence and timing, encouraging believers to wait patiently for Him to act. God's ways are not our ways, and His timing is not our timing, but He is always working for the good of those who love Him (Psalms 37:7, 23-24).