Psalms 37:21

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are 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 the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied.

20 But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.

22 Surely those He blesses will inherit the land, but the cursed will be destroyed.

23 The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.