Translations
Original
Notes
The godly are wise; they do good and reject evil. The Lord cares for them, protecting them and ensuring that they receive their rightful portion of the land as their inheritance. The wicked might try to ambush the godly, but they will not succeed.
This psalm addresses the issues raised in Psalm 36:
How should the godly react to evil?
When will the Lord bring justice?
Why does he allow the wicked to harm his creation?
Psalm 37 provides clear answers that reduce the tensions of life (Psalm 37:1–9, 34) and promise that the meek will have a future (Psalm 37:10–11, 39–40).
The contrast between the godly and the wicked highlights the uselessness of foolishness (Psalm 37:12–24, 27–33). The psalmist's personal insights add a human element (Psalm 37:25–26, 35–38). He encourages viewing the land's inheritance with a long-term perspective: The earth belongs to the Lord, who will give it to those he blesses—the humble and godly who trust, hope, and follow him (see Psalm 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34; see also Isaiah 57:13; Matthew 5:5).
Parallels
Glossary
Acrostic David Inheritance Music Poetry, Biblical Poor, the Proverbs, Book of Psalms, Book of Wisdom Literature
Topics
Inheritance: Figurative Righteous: Promises To, Expressed or Implied