Psalms 37:21

21 Sinful people borrow and don't pay back. But those who are godly 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 When trouble comes to them, they will have what they need. When there is little food in the land, they will still have plenty.

20 But sinful people will die. The LORD's enemies will be like flowers in the field. They will disappear like smoke.

21 Sinful people borrow and don't pay back. But those who are godly give freely to others.

22 The LORD will give the land to those he blesses. But he will cut off those he puts a curse on.

23 If the LORD is pleased with the way a man lives, he makes his steps secure.