Psalms 37:17-27

17 For the wicked are moral weaklings but the righteous are God-strong.

18 God keeps track of the decent folk; what they do won't soon be forgotten.

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.

24 If he stumbles, he's not down for long; God has a grip on his hand.

25 I once was young, now I'm a graybeard - not once have I seen an abandoned believer, or his kids out roaming the streets.

26 Every day he's out giving and lending, his children making him proud.

27 Turn your back on evil, work for the good and don't quit.

Psalms 37:17-27 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.