Psalms 37

20. While the wicked, however mighty, are destroyed, and that utterly, as smoke which vanishes and leaves no trace.

21, 22. payeth not--not able; having grown poor (compare Deuteronomy 15:7 ). Ability of the one and inability of the other do not exclude moral dispositions. God's blessing or cursing makes the difference.

22. cut off--opposed to "inherit the earth" (compare Leviticus 7:20 Leviticus 7:21 ).

23, 24. steps--way, or, "course of life"; as ordered by God, failures will not be permanent.

26. his seed is blessed--literally, "for a blessing" ( Genesis 12:2 , Psalms 21:6 ). This position is still true as the rule of God's economy ( 1 Timothy 4:8 , 6:6 ).

27-29. The exhortation is sustained by the assurance of God's essential rectitude in that providential government which provides perpetual blessings for the good, and perpetual misery for the wicked.

30, 31. The righteous described as to the elements of character, thought, word, and action.

31. steps--or, "goings"--for conduct which is unwavering ( Psalms 18:36 ).

32, 33. The devices of the wicked against the good fail because God acquits them.

34. On the contrary, the good are not only blessed, but made to see the ruin of their foes.

35, 36. of which a picture is given, under the figure of a flourishing tree (compare Margin), which soon withers.

36. he was not--(Compare Psalms 37:10 ).

37. By "the end" is meant reward ( Proverbs 23:18 , 24:14 ), or expectation of success, as in Psalms 37:38 , which describes the end of the wicked in contrast, and that is cut off (compare Psalms 73:17 ).

38. together--at once; entirely ( Psalms 4:8 ).

39, 40. strength--( Psalms 27:1 , 28:8 ).
trouble--straits ( Psalms 9:9 , 10:1 ). In trust and quietness is the salvation of the pious from all foes and all their devices.