Psalms 37:21

21 The wicked borrow, and do not pay back, but the righteous are generous and keep giving;

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 are not put to shame in evil times, in the days of famine they have abundance.

20 But the wicked perish, and the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.

21 The wicked borrow, and do not pay back, but the righteous are generous and keep giving;

22 for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

23 Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way;