What is the meaning of Psalm 37:27?

Turn away from evil

Psalm 37:27 begins, “Turn away from evil…”.

• David calls for decisive action—evil is not managed but abandoned (Isaiah 55:7; Proverbs 3:7).

• Turning implies repentance, a change of direction (Acts 3:19).

• God’s people do not drift from sin; they deliberately reject it, trusting the Spirit’s power (Romans 8:13).

• The verse comes in a psalm contrasting the wicked’s fleeting success with the righteous’ lasting inheritance (Psalm 37:1–2, 10). Stepping away from evil aligns us with God’s enduring plan rather than temporary gain.

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Do good

“…and do good…”.

• Righteousness is active, not merely the absence of wrongdoing (James 4:17).

• Scripture pairs turning from evil with pursuing good (1 Peter 3:11, quoting Psalm 34:14).

• Good works flow from a heart changed by grace (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14).

– Serve others (Galatians 6:10).

– Speak truth and encouragement (Ephesians 4:29).

– Show mercy and justice (Micah 6:8).

• Doing good demonstrates faith in action (James 2:17) and reflects Christ’s character (Acts 10:38).

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You will abide forever

“…so that you will abide forever.”.

• The promise ties lasting security to righteous living (Psalm 37:18).

• “Forever” points beyond earthly life to eternal fellowship with the Lord (John 10:28; 1 John 2:17).

• Abiding speaks of stability now—God upholds the righteous amid present trials (Psalm 37:23–24)—and permanence later in His kingdom (John 14:2–3).

• The verse does not teach salvation by works; rather, turning from evil and doing good are evidences of genuine faith that inherits eternal life (John 15:5–6; Ephesians 2:8–10).

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summary

Psalm 37:27 calls for a decisive break from sin, an active pursuit of good, and rests on God’s promise of everlasting security. Turning from evil shows repentance, doing good reveals transformed hearts, and together they mark those who will “abide forever” with the Lord, both in this life and the life to come.