Psalms 37:21

21 Wicked borrows and never returns; Righteous gives 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 In hard times, they'll hold their heads high; when the shelves are bare, they'll be full.

20 God-despisers have had it; God's enemies are finished - Stripped bare like vineyards at harvest time, vanished like smoke in thin air.

21 Wicked borrows and never returns; Righteous gives and gives.

22 Generous gets it all in the end; Stingy is cut off at the pass.

23 Stalwart walks in step with God; his path blazed by God, he's happy.