Psalms 37:17-27

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.

18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD [shall be] as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth.

22 For [such as are] blessed by him shall inherit the earth; and [they that are] cursed by him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he should fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.

25 I have been young, and [now] am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26 [He is] ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed [is] blessed.

27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

Psalms 37:17-27 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.