Psalms 37:1-11

1 Do not be preoccupied with evildoers. Do not envy those who do wicked things.

2 They will quickly dry up like grass and wither away like green plants.

3 Trust the LORD, and do good things. Live in the land, and practice being faithful.

4 Be happy with the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Entrust your ways to the LORD. Trust him, and he will act [on your behalf].

6 He will make your righteousness shine like a light, your just cause like the noonday sun.

7 Surrender yourself to the LORD, and wait patiently for him. Do not be preoccupied with [an evildoer] who succeeds in his way when he carries out his schemes.

8 Let go of anger, and leave rage behind. Do not be preoccupied. It only leads to evil.

9 Evildoers will be cut off [from their inheritance], but those who wait with hope for the LORD will inherit the land.

10 In a little while a wicked person will vanish. Then you can carefully examine where he was, but there will be no trace of him.

11 Oppressed people will inherit the land and will enjoy unlimited peace.

Psalms 37:1-11 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 37

\\<<[A Psalm] of David>>\\. This psalm, it is very probable, was written at the same time, and upon the same occasion, with the former; and describes the different states of good and bad men; and is full of exhortations, instructions, and advice to the people of God; intermixed with various encouraging promises. A late learned writer {h} thinks it was written for Mephibosheth's consolation under Ziba's calumny. {h} Delaney's Life of King David, vol. 2. p. 219.