Delight Yourself in the LORD Of David.a 1 Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. 2For they wither quickly like grass 3Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. 4Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. 5Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. 6He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun. 7Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. 8Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. 9For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. 10Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. 11But the meek will inherit the landb and delight in abundant prosperity. 12The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, 13but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. 14The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. 15But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. 16Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked. 17For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. 18The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will last forever. 19In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied. 20But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away. 21The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving. 22Surely those He blesses will inherit the land, but the cursed will be destroyed. 23The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. 24Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.c 25I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread. 26They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing. 27Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever. 28For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. 29The righteous will inherit the land 30The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. 31The law of his God is in his heart; 32Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, 33the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment. 34Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, 35I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, 36yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found. 37Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace.d 38But the transgressors will all be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off. 39The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. 40The LORD helps and delivers them; He rescues and saves them from the wicked, because they take refuge in Him. Footnotes: 1 a This psalm is an acrostic poem, each stanza beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. 11 b Or the earth; see Matthew 5:5. 24 c Or upholds him with His hand 37 d Or for there is a future for the man of peace Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 37 Summary Delight Yourself in the LORDVerses 1–2 – Do Not Fret over the Wicked Verses 3–6 – Trust and Delight in the LORD Verses 7–9 – Wait Patiently for Him Verses 10–15 – Destiny of the Wicked Verses 16–20 – Security of the Righteous Verses 21–26 – Generosity and Blessing Verses 27–33 – Justice Prevails Verses 34–40 – Future of the Faithful Psalm 37, a wisdom psalm penned by King David, presents a profound exploration of faith and divine justice. It juxtaposes the lives of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the importance of trust in God, righteousness, and patience. Through a series of instructive and illustrative statements, the psalm addresses the apparent prosperity of the wicked and assures that divine justice shall prevail. Authorship and Life Context Psalm 37 comes from David, and verse 25 (“I was young and now am old”) points to his later years. The poem condenses decades of observation—hunted by Saul, reigning in Jerusalem, chased by Absalom—into seasoned counsel: short-term wicked success versus long-term covenant faithfulness. Structure and Literary Style • Acrostic: each stanza begins with successive Hebrew letters, aiding memory. • Wisdom frame: the tone is that of Proverbs rather than lament. • Contrast couplets: righteous/wicked, inherit/cut off, flourish/fade. • Imperatives: trust, delight, commit, rest, wait—an action plan for faith. Key Themes 1. God’s timing outweighs appearances. 2. The land promise anchors hope (repeated five times). 3. Righteous generosity reflects God’s heart. 4. Justice is inevitable, even if delayed. Covenant and Land Language “Inherit the land” (vv. 9, 11, 22, 29, 34) echoes Genesis 15:18 and Deuteronomy 30:5. David ties personal piety to the larger promise that God’s people will permanently settle in the land under His blessing. Jesus amplifies this in Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth,” lifting the promise from Israel’s borders to global scope. Ancient Near Eastern Background Archaeological surveys of Judean hill-country terraces show subsistence farming vulnerable to drought. A good harvest depended on rainfall—the domain of Yahweh, not Baal (Deuteronomy 11:14). Thus “dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness” (v. 3) literally meant plowing in trust that God would send the early and latter rains. Daily Life and Discipleship Applications • Replace envy with prayer for those prospering wrongly. • Actively “do good” in your community—David never separates faith from deeds. • Practice generous lending and giving (v. 26; cf. Luke 6:34–36). • Memorize key verbs—trust, delight, commit, rest, wait—and rehearse them when anxiety flares. New Testament Echoes • Matthew 5:5 quotes v. 11. • Jesus’ warning against worry (Matthew 6:25–34) parallels “Do not fret” (vv. 1, 7, 8). • Paul cites v. 26 in 2 Corinthians 9:9 to encourage cheerful giving. • Hebrews 10:37–38 alludes to “a little while, and the wicked will be no more” (v. 10) to steady believers under persecution. Archaeological Notes • Arrowheads and short swords from Iron Age strata in the City of David illustrate the “sword and bow” (v. 15) wielded by Israel’s enemies and, at times, its own kings. • Ostraca (inscribed potsherds) from Lachish show debt records, underscoring why unpaid loans (v. 21) carried social shame. Word Studies • fret (charah) – “to grow hot, burn,” picturing inner agitation. • delight (anag) – “take exquisite pleasure,” a word used of luxurious banquets (Isaiah 55:2). • commit (galal) – “roll,” as rolling a burden onto the LORD (Proverbs 16:3). • inherit (yarash) – “possess by dispossession,” pointing to settling securely. Connections to Other Wisdom Texts • Proverbs 24:19–20 echoes the opening warning not to envy evildoers. • Job 5:17–27 parallels the promise of sustenance in famine. • Isaiah 40:31 reinforces the closing thought: “Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength.” Outline of Psalm 37 • vv. 1–8: Five commands for a calm heart. • vv. 9–15: The fleeting rise and self-destruction of the wicked. • vv. 16–24: God upholds the modest, generous righteous. • vv. 25–26: David’s lifetime testimony. • vv. 27–33: Justice will settle every score. • vv. 34–40: Final contrast and promise of deliverance. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Teaching Points Trust in the LordPsalm 37:3 says, Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. This verse emphasizes the importance of placing our trust in God rather than being envious of the wicked. Delight in the Lord Verse 4 encourages us to Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Our deepest satisfaction comes from a relationship with God, not from worldly success. Commit Your Way to the Lord Verse 5 instructs, Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. This is a call to surrender our plans and desires to God, trusting in His perfect timing and will. The Fate of the Wicked Verses 12-13 remind us that The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. God is aware of the wicked and their end is assured. The Inheritance of the Righteous Verse 29 promises, The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. This is a reminder of the eternal reward for those who follow God. Practical Applications Cultivate TrustActively choose to trust God in every situation, especially when you see others prospering through unrighteous means. Find Joy in God Make it a daily practice to find joy and satisfaction in your relationship with God, rather than in material possessions or status. Surrender Your Plans Regularly pray and commit your plans to God, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all your decisions. Focus on Eternity Keep an eternal perspective, remembering that earthly success is temporary, but God’s promises are everlasting. Live Righteously Strive to live a life that reflects God’s righteousness, knowing that your reward is secure in Him. People 1. The Wicked (רְשָׁעִים, "resha'im")These are individuals who act immorally and oppose God's ways. The psalm describes their temporary success and ultimate downfall, emphasizing that they will eventually be cut off and perish (Psalm 37:1, 9, 10, 12, 14, 20, 21, 28, 32, 34, 35, 38). 2. The Righteous (צַדִּיקִים, "tzaddikim") These are people who live according to God's laws and are characterized by their faithfulness and integrity. The psalm promises them security, inheritance of the land, and God's protection (Psalm 37:12, 16, 17, 21, 25, 29, 30, 32, 39). 3. The Meek (עֲנָוִים, "anavim") Often associated with humility and gentleness, the meek are promised that they will inherit the land and enjoy peace (Psalm 37:11). 4. The Upright (יְשָׁרִים, "yesharim") These individuals are characterized by their moral integrity and honesty. They are promised a future and peace (Psalm 37:18, 37). 5. The Blameless (תָּמִים, "tamim") Those who are blameless are described as having a future of peace and prosperity, contrasting with the fate of the wicked (Psalm 37:37). 6. The Generous (חַנּוּן, "chanun") This refers to those who are kind and give freely, and they are blessed by God (Psalm 37:21, 26). 7. The Lord (יְהוָה, "YHWH") While not a human person, God is a central figure in the psalm, providing guidance, protection, and justice for the righteous while opposing the wicked (Psalm 37:4, 5, 13, 17, 23, 28, 33, 39, 40). Places 1. The LandThe term "the land" (Hebrew: הָאָרֶץ, ha'aretz) is mentioned multiple times in Psalm 37. It symbolizes the promised inheritance and blessings for the righteous. In a conservative Christian perspective, "the land" can be seen as both a literal promise to the Israelites and a metaphorical representation of God's blessings and the ultimate inheritance of believers. For example, Psalm 37:9 states, "For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land." While Psalm 37 does not list specific geographical locations, the repeated reference to "the land" underscores its importance as a place of divine promise and fulfillment for those who follow God's ways. Events 1. Do Not Fret Because of EvildoersThe psalm begins with an admonition not to be envious of those who do wrong, as they will soon fade like grass (Psalm 37:1-2). The Hebrew word for "fret" (חָרָה, charah) implies burning with anger or worry. 2. Trust in the Lord and Do Good Believers are encouraged to trust in the Lord and continue doing good, dwelling in the land and enjoying safe pasture (Psalm 37:3). The Hebrew root for "trust" (בָּטַח, batach) conveys a sense of confidence and security. 3. Delight in the Lord The psalm advises to take delight in the Lord, promising that He will give the desires of the heart (Psalm 37:4). The Hebrew word for "delight" (עָנַג, anag) suggests taking great pleasure or enjoyment. 4. Commit Your Way to the Lord The psalmist urges to commit one's way to the Lord, trusting Him to act (Psalm 37:5). The Hebrew verb for "commit" (גָּלַל, galal) means to roll or entrust. 5. The Righteous Will Shine It is promised that the righteousness of the faithful will shine like the dawn, and their justice like the noonday sun (Psalm 37:6). 6. Be Still Before the Lord The psalm encourages being still before the Lord and waiting patiently for Him, not fretting over those who prosper in their ways (Psalm 37:7). 7. Refrain from Anger There is a call to refrain from anger and forsake wrath, as it leads only to evil (Psalm 37:8). 8. The Wicked Will Be Cut Off The psalm repeatedly assures that evildoers will be cut off, while those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land (Psalm 37:9, 22, 28, 34). 9. The Meek Will Inherit the Land Echoing the Beatitudes, the psalm states that the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity (Psalm 37:11). 10. The Lord Laughs at the Wicked The Lord is depicted as laughing at the wicked, knowing their day of judgment is coming (Psalm 37:13). 11. The Righteous Are Sustained The psalm emphasizes that the righteous are sustained by the Lord, even in times of famine (Psalm 37:19). 12. The Steps of a Good Man Are Ordered by the Lord The psalm highlights that the Lord delights in the way of a good man, and though he may stumble, he will not fall (Psalm 37:23-24). 13. The Righteous Will Not Be Forsaken The psalmist declares that he has never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread (Psalm 37:25). 14. Turn from Evil and Do Good There is a call to turn from evil and do good, promising a future for the upright (Psalm 37:27). 15. The Lord Loves Justice The psalm affirms that the Lord loves justice and will not forsake His saints (Psalm 37:28). 16. The Future of the Wicked Will Be Cut Off The psalm concludes with the assurance that the future of the wicked will be cut off, but the salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord (Psalm 37:38-39). Topics 1. Do Not Fret Because of EvildoersThe psalm begins with an admonition not to be envious or anxious about those who do wrong. "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong." (Psalm 37:1). The Hebrew word for "fret" (חָרָה, charah) implies a burning anger or worry, suggesting a call to trust in God's justice. 2. Trust in the Lord and Do Good Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God and continue to do good deeds. "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." (Psalm 37:3). The Hebrew root for "trust" (בָּטַח, batach) conveys a sense of security and confidence in God. 3. Delight in the Lord Finding joy in the Lord is emphasized as a source of fulfillment. "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4). The Hebrew word for "delight" (עָנַג, anag) suggests taking great pleasure in God's presence. 4. Commit Your Way to the Lord The psalm advises committing one's life path to God. "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it." (Psalm 37:5). The Hebrew term for "commit" (גָּלַל, galal) means to roll or entrust, indicating a complete surrender to God's will. 5. Be Still Before the Lord Patience and stillness in God's presence are encouraged. "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes." (Psalm 37:7). The Hebrew word for "be still" (דָּמַם, damam) implies silence and calmness. 6. The Fate of the Wicked The psalm contrasts the temporary success of the wicked with their ultimate downfall. "For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land." (Psalm 37:9). The Hebrew root for "cut off" (כָּרַת, karath) indicates a decisive end. 7. The Inheritance of the Righteous The righteous are promised an enduring inheritance. "But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity." (Psalm 37:11). The Hebrew word for "inherit" (נָחַל, nachal) suggests receiving a permanent possession. 8. The Lord Upholds the Righteous God's support and protection of the righteous are highlighted. "The LORD upholds the righteous." (Psalm 37:17). The Hebrew root for "upholds" (סָמַךְ, samak) means to sustain or support. 9. The Righteous Will Not Be Forsaken Assurance is given that God will not abandon the righteous. "I have been young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread." (Psalm 37:25). 10. Turn from Evil and Do Good A call to repentance and righteous living is made. "Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever." (Psalm 37:27). The Hebrew word for "turn away" (סוּר, sur) implies a deliberate departure from sin. 11. The Future of the Righteous and the Wicked The psalm concludes with a reflection on the ultimate destinies of the righteous and the wicked. "The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble." (Psalm 37:39). Themes 1. Trust in the LordThe psalm emphasizes the importance of placing trust in God rather than envying the wicked. "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness" (Psalm 37:3). The Hebrew word for "trust" (בָּטַח, batach) implies a sense of security and confidence in God's provision and protection. 2. Delight in the Lord Believers are encouraged to find joy and satisfaction in their relationship with God. "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). The Hebrew root for "delight" (עָנַג, anag) suggests taking exquisite pleasure in God's presence. 3. Commit Your Way to the Lord The psalm advises committing one's life and plans to God. "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it" (Psalm 37:5). The Hebrew word for "commit" (גָּלַל, galal) means to roll away or entrust, indicating a full surrender to God's will. 4. The Fate of the Wicked The psalm contrasts the temporary success of the wicked with their ultimate downfall. "For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land" (Psalm 37:9). The Hebrew term for "cut off" (כָּרַת, karath) conveys a sense of being severed or destroyed. 5. The Inheritance of the Righteous The righteous are promised a lasting inheritance. "But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity" (Psalm 37:11). The Hebrew word for "inherit" (נָחַל, nachal) implies receiving a permanent possession or heritage. 6. Patience and Waiting on the Lord The psalm encourages patience and waiting for God's timing. "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him" (Psalm 37:7). The Hebrew root for "wait" (קוָה, qavah) suggests an expectant hope and reliance on God's faithfulness. 7. The Lord's Justice and Protection God is portrayed as just and protective of the righteous. "The LORD loves justice; He will not forsake His saints" (Psalm 37:28). The Hebrew word for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) refers to God's righteous judgment and order. 8. The Peace of the Righteous The psalm highlights the peace that comes from living righteously. "The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever" (Psalm 37:29). The Hebrew word for "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) encompasses completeness, welfare, and tranquility. 9. The Lord's Deliverance The psalm assures believers of God's deliverance in times of trouble. "The LORD helps them and delivers them; He rescues and saves them from the wicked, because they take refuge in Him" (Psalm 37:40). The Hebrew root for "deliver" (פָּלַט, palat) means to escape or be saved. Answering Tough Questions 1. How do we reconcile Psalm 37:4 with real-world evidence where even the most faithful often do not receive the desires of their hearts?Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 37 address the issue of the prosperity of the wicked? 2. In what ways can you practically apply the command to "fret not yourself because of evildoers" in your everyday life? 3. How does this Psalm reassure you about God's sense of justice? 4. Discuss how the theme of patience is addressed in this Psalm. How does it resonate with your personal experience? 5. What does "inherit the land" mean to you in a modern context? 6. How does the Psalm's portrayal of the righteous inspire you in your journey of faith? 7. What does it mean to "commit your way to the Lord" in the present day context? 8. Discuss the implications of divine providence as portrayed in Psalm 37. 9. In what ways does this Psalm challenge your understanding of the concepts of righteousness and wickedness? 10. How does this Psalm influence your understanding of God's promises? 11. How can you apply the principles from this Psalm when dealing with injustices in your own life? 12. How can the advice in Psalm 37 guide you in dealing with envy or jealousy? 13. How can the concept of divine justice in this Psalm be applied in contemporary societal issues? 14. How does the Psalmist's depiction of the fate of the wicked affect your perspective on the temporary prosperity of the unjust? 15. What actions can you take to "trust in the Lord and do good," as the Psalm instructs? 16. How does the comparison of the wicked and the righteous in Psalm 37 help you understand the implications of your choices? 17. How does Psalm 37's emphasis on God's protection encourage you during times of adversity? 18. How does the Psalmist's counsel to "be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him" speak to you personally? 19. What role does faith play in understanding and accepting the message of Psalm 37? 20. How can you use Psalm 37 as a source of comfort and assurance when faced with the apparent prosperity of those who do wrong? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |




