Set to dark modeSet to dark modeThe Bible Says Commentary on Psalms 37
Please choose a passage in Psalms 37
David’s encouragement to trust, delight, and commit to the Lord provides a sustaining assurance that His justice and care will guide us through every hardship, ultimately displaying His faithfulness in our lives.
David urges all listeners to persevere faithfully, refuse to give way to fret and anger, and adopt a posture of humility and expectancy in the Lord.
The wicked may plan harm against the righteous, but God laughs at their schemes, knowing He will bring about His justice and that their plans will come back upon themselves.
What truly matters is not how much one possesses, but whether one stands in God’s righteousness and endures on the path of faith, which ultimately leads to blessing, security, and eternal inheritance.
The righteous are blessed by God’s guiding hand, sustained during struggles, never left without ultimate provision, and empowered to share generously.
These verses assure every believer that turning from evil and abiding in righteousness will lead to tangible blessings, bolstered by God’s lasting faithfulness and justice.
These verses portray a vivid contrast between the fleeting prosperity of the wicked and the abiding protection God extends to the righteous, urging all who follow Him to remain steadfast under His watchful care and deliverance.
Psalm Chapter 37 is a wisdom psalm composed by David, who served as the second king of Israel from about 1010-970 BC. In this psalm, David affirms that the righteous should place their confidence in the LORD rather than fret over the prosperity of those who do evil. He opens by urging believers, “Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers” (Psalm 37:1). The focus is on encouraging trust in God’s justice, especially when surrounded by apparent unfairness or opposition. David’s own life was filled with tumult and uncertainties, yet his experiences led him to understand that God’s faithfulness sustains the righteous through every trial.
A key theme is found in the exhortation, “Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness” (Psalm 37:3). Here, “the land” refers to the promised territory of Israel, specifically grounded in God’s covenant with His people. David’s point is that living a life pleasing to God, wherever He places His children, remains the best response to injustice. Throughout Israel’s history, from the time of Joshua’s conquest to the period of the monarchy, God’s promises concerning the land were prominent. David portrays a future where those who delight in the LORD will “inherit the land,” highlighting the ultimate triumph of righteousness (Psalm 37:9).
Another famous verse reads, “Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). David’s encouragement is to make God the supreme joy and pursuit in life, trusting that He alone understands the longings of the heart. Echoing this truth, Jesus Himself speaks of the blessing awaiting the humble when He teaches, “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). That promise resonates powerfully with the counsel of David, who similarly proclaims that “the humble will inherit the land” (Psalm 37:11). In both the Old and New Testaments, there is a consistent assurance that in God’s time, humble dependence on Him will not only be rewarded but also bring peace and contentment.
While Psalm 37 addresses the apparent success of the wicked, it consistently reminds readers that God's justice prevails and that the righteous will never be forsaken. David encourages his listeners to “wait for the LORD and keep His way” (Psalm 37:34), stressing that a patient heart that rests in God’s sovereignty will ultimately experience vindication. In the larger context of the Book of Psalms and the Bible, Psalm 37 stands as a testament to God’s unchangeable mercy. For believers today, it remains a powerful invitation to surrender anxieties and disappointments into His hands, trusting that He will bring about eternal good for His faithful ones.
© 2025 The Bible Says, All Rights Reserved.
Set to dark mode