Psalms 37:14-24

14 He The wicked have drawn out the sword and have bent their bow to cast down the poor and needy and to slay such as are of upright conversation.

15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bow shall be broken.

16 Tet A little that a righteous man has is better than the many riches of the sinners.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 Jod The LORD knows the days of the perfect, and their inheritance shall be for ever.

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

20 Caph But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD as the fattest of rams shall be consumed; as smoke they shall fade away.

21 Lamed The wicked borrows and does not repay: but the righteous shows mercy and gives.

22 For such as are blessed of him shall inherit the earth, and those that are cursed of him shall be cut off.

23 Mem The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and he delights in his way.

24 Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Psalms 37:14-24 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.