Psalm 37:21-31

The Apparent Good Fortune of the Godless Compared with the Believers’ True Happiness

The wicked borroweth and payeth not again, being deliberately dishonest in his dealings; but the righteous showeth mercy and giveth, glad to share the blessings given him by God with such as are in want.

V. 22. For such as be blessed of Him shall inherit the earth, the blessing of Jehovah proving rich abundance for them; and they that be cursed of Him shall be cut off, their final lot being one of extreme want, of unhappiness, no matter how many treasures they have heaped up.

V. 23. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, firmly established, with Jehovah as his Guide; and He delighteth in his way, Jehovah has pleasure in the entire conduct and manner of living of the believer.

V. 24. Though he fall, for even the righteous will occasionally stumble and become guilty of transgressions, he shall not be utterly cast down, stretched out to his full length, unable to rise again; for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand, sustaining him, offering him His almighty and gracious support, so that he can once more stand upright and proceed upon his way.

V. 25. I have been young and now am old, the psalmist has the experience of a lifetime to draw from; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, abandoned past the point of help, nor his seed begging bread, suffering permanent want. Temporary abandonment and privation there may be, but the righteous are never really forsaken by Yahweh.

V. 26. He, the righteous, the possessor of true righteousness by faith, is ever merciful, showing the faith of his heart in deeds of love, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed, the blessing of Yahweh resting upon his house and family.

The conclusion drawn by David, therefore, is: v. 27. Depart from evil and do good, following the way of true righteousness; and dwell forevermore, that being God’s blessing of mercy upon true piety.

V. 28. For the Lord loveth judgment, He is right in all His dealings with men, and forsaketh not His saints; they are preserved forever. But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off, their entire posterity, following them in their wickedness, shall be destroyed.

V. 29. The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell therein forever, possessors of true happiness.

V. 30. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, for he is continually meditating upon such things as pertain to the highest wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment, intent upon the right in every situation.

V. 31. The Law of his God is in his heart, providing the motive for his pious conduct; none of his steps shall slide, his entire conduct being guided by a certain rule and norm, since his will is regulated by the will of God.