Psalms 37:1-9

Instruction in Wisdom

1

Davidic.

1 Do^[a] not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong.

2 For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender green plants.

3 Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely.^[b]

4 Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires.

5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act,

6 making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday.

7 Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the man who carries out evil plans.

8 Refrain from anger and give up [your] rage; do not be agitated-it can only bring harm.

9 For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land.^[c]

Psalms 37:1-9 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 37

\\<<[A Psalm] of David>>\\. This psalm, it is very probable, was written at the same time, and upon the same occasion, with the former; and describes the different states of good and bad men; and is full of exhortations, instructions, and advice to the people of God; intermixed with various encouraging promises. A late learned writer {h} thinks it was written for Mephibosheth's consolation under Ziba's calumny. {h} Delaney's Life of King David, vol. 2. p. 219.

Footnotes

• [a]. The lines of this poem form an acrostic.
• [b]. Or and cultivate faithfulness
• [c]. Or earth