What does "do good" mean in the context of Psalm 37:27? Setting the Scene Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm that contrasts the fleeting success of the wicked with the lasting security of the righteous. Verse 27 gives a two–part command: “Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever.” The focus here is the second half—“do good.” Looking at the Words • Hebrew: עֲשֵׂה־טוֹב (ʿăséh ṭôḇ) • Literally: “produce, accomplish, practice what is good.” • It is not passive; it calls for deliberate, continual action. The Positive Command: Active Righteousness To “do good” means more than avoiding sin. In the context of Psalm 37, it involves: • Obeying God’s revealed law (Psalm 37:31). • Showing steadfast love and justice (Psalm 37:28). • Lending generously and acting compassionately (Psalm 37:21, 26). • Speaking truth and wisdom (Psalm 37:30). Scripture Echoes • Psalm 34:14—“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” • Micah 6:8—“He has shown you, O man, what is good… to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” • Galatians 6:9-10—“Let us not grow weary in doing good… as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who belong to the household of faith.” • James 4:17—“Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” • 1 Peter 3:11 (quoting Psalm 34:14) ties “doing good” to turning from evil and seeking peace. Doing Good in Daily Life Practical expressions in the believer’s walk: • Integrity in work and finances—honest scales, prompt payment, ethical decisions. • Compassionate generosity—supporting the needy, visiting the sick, embracing the marginalized. • Peacemaking speech—encouraging, truthful, gentle words that build up. • Faithful relationships—marital fidelity, honoring parents, nurturing children, loving neighbors. • Public justice—defending the oppressed, voting and speaking for righteousness. Why Doing Good Matters • It reflects God’s own character (Psalm 25:8; Acts 10:38). • It confirms genuine faith (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14). • It brings lasting stability—“so that you will abide forever” (Psalm 37:27). • It silences critics (1 Peter 2:15). • It stores eternal reward (1 Timothy 6:18-19). Power to Do Good • The Lord upholds His saints (Psalm 37:17). • The Spirit produces goodness as fruit (Galatians 5:22). • Christ Himself “gave Himself for us to redeem us… and to purify for Himself a people zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). “Turn away from evil and do good” is therefore an ongoing, Spirit-enabled lifestyle of active obedience, practical love, and visible righteousness that marks those who trust the Lord and “will inherit the land and dwell in it forever” (Psalm 37:29). |
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