Psalm 37:21

21 The sinner borrows, and will not pay again: but the righteous has compassion, and gives.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 37:21 In-Context

19 They shall not be ashamed in an evil time; and in days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 For the sinners shall perish; and the enemies of the Lord at the moment of their being honoured and exalted have utterly vanished like smoke.

21 The sinner borrows, and will not pay again: but the righteous has compassion, and gives.

22 For they that bless him shall inherit the earth; and they that curse him shall be utterly destroyed.

23 The steps of a man are rightly ordered by the Lord: and he will take pleasure in his way.