Psalms 37:34

34 Wait passionately for God, don't leave the path. He'll give you your place in the sun while you watch the wicked lose it.

Psalms 37:34 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 37:34

Wait on the Lord
In the way of his appointments and ordinances; where may be learned the design of his providences, and of the prosperity of the wicked, and their end, ( Psalms 73:16-18 ) ; and in a providential way, for the performance of his promises, in which he never fails; and patiently bear whatever he is pleased to lay upon them; waiting for a deliverance out of every affliction, which will be in his own time. The Chaldee paraphrase

``trust in the word of the Lord;''

and keep his way:
which he has pointed out in his word, and has directed his people to walk in; though tempted by Satan to turn aside to the right hand or the left; though wicked men reproach, persecute, and seek to pervert it; and though a narrow and rough way, yet keep constantly in it, in which there are both pleasure and profit; good comes of it, and in it peace is had, and the presence of God enjoyed;

and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land:
that is, shall raise out of a low and uncomfortable situation of life to a more comfortable one; or however, hereafter, to dwell in the new heavens and new earth, to reign with Christ upon his throne, and to enjoy the eternal inheritance;

when the wicked are cut off;
as in ( Psalms 37:9 Psalms 37:22 Psalms 37:28 ) ;

thou shall see [it];
with joy and pleasure; not as exulting: in the destruction of the wicked, simply considered; but as the glory of divine justice is displayed therein; see ( Psalms 52:5 Psalms 52:6 ) .

Psalms 37:34 In-Context

32 Wicked sets a watch for Righteous, he's out for the kill.
33 God, alert, is also on watch - Wicked won't hurt a hair of his head.
34 Wait passionately for God, don't leave the path. He'll give you your place in the sun while you watch the wicked lose it.
35 I saw Wicked bloated like a toad, croaking pretentious nonsense.
36 The next time I looked there was nothing - a punctured bladder, vapid and limp.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.