Psalms 37:21

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;

Psalms 37:21 in Other Translations

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

21 The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;

21 The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.

21 Wicked borrows and never returns; Righteous gives and gives.

21 The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous is gracious and giving.

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 In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish: Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;

22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed.

23 The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

Cross References

• 1. S Leviticus 25:35; Psalms 112:5