Psalms 37:21

21 The wicked borrow and don't pay back, but those who do right give freely to others.

Psalms 37:21 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 37:21

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again
While the wicked live, they are scandalous; they live by borrowing, which was always reckoned mean; see ( Deuteronomy 28:12 Deuteronomy 28:44 ) ( Proverbs 22:7 ) ; and what is worse, as they borrow, they do not design to repay; they take no care nor thought about that, but live upon what they borrow: for this either expresses their incapacity that they cannot pay; or the evil disposition of their mind, which rather seems to be the sense, that they will not pay;

but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth;
which not only argues capacity and ability, but a kind, merciful, and tender spirit to persons in distress, and is expressive of a generous action.

Psalms 37:21 In-Context

19 They will not be ashamed when trouble comes. They will be full in times of hunger.
20 But the wicked will die. flowers of the fields; they will disappear like smoke.
21 The wicked borrow and don't pay back, but those who do right give freely to others.
22 Those whom the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be sent away.
23 When a person's steps follow the Lord, God is pleased with his ways.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.