Psalms 37:21

21 [The] wicked borrows and does not repay, but [the] righteous [is] gracious and gives.

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 They will not be put to shame in distressing times, and in [the] days of famine they will be satisfied.

20 But [the] wicked will perish, and the enemies of Yahweh [will be] like [the] splendor of [the] pastures. They vanish; in smoke they vanish.

21 [The] wicked borrows and does not repay, but [the] righteous [is] gracious and gives.

22 For those blessed [by] him shall possess [the] land, but those cursed [by] him shall be cut off.

23 [The] steps of a man are established by Yahweh, and he takes pleasure in his way.