Psalms 37:21

21 qui retribuunt mala pro bonis detrahebant mihi quoniam sequebar bonitatem

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 quoniam iniquitatem meam adnuntiabo %et; cogitabo pro peccato meo
20 inimici autem mei vivent et firmati sunt super me et multiplicati sunt qui oderunt me inique
21 qui retribuunt mala pro bonis detrahebant mihi quoniam sequebar bonitatem
22 non derelinquas me Domine Deus meus ne discesseris a me
23 intende in adiutorium meum Domine salutis meae
The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.