Psalms 37:34

34 Wait for the LORD, and keep to his way, and he will exalt you to possess the land; you will look on the destruction of the wicked.

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 The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him.

33 The LORD will not abandon him to his power, or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.

34 Wait for the LORD, and keep to his way, and he will exalt you to possess the land; you will look on the destruction of the wicked.

35 I have seen a wicked man overbearing, and towering like a cedar of Lebanon.

36 Again I passed by, and, lo, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.