Bible Glide

Psalms 37

Psalms 37 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalms 37 calls readers to steady trust when wrongdoing seems to succeed. It contrasts the brief rise of the wicked with the lasting care God gives to the righteous. The chapter urges patience, obedience, and quiet confidence in the Lord's timing.

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What happens in Psalms 37?

This psalm teaches believers not to envy evildoers or become anxious when they prosper. Instead, it urges trust, delight, commitment, patience, and rest in the Lord. The chapter repeatedly contrasts the fate of the wicked, who fade away, with the future of the righteous, who inherit the land and are upheld by God. It also describes the character of the righteous as generous, wise, and guided by God's law. The closing verses affirm that the Lord rescues and protects those who take refuge in him.

Psalms 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to David. It fits among the many songs in Book One of Psalms that wrestle with suffering, justice, and trust in God. Its structure is meditative and instructional, offering counsel for life under pressure rather than a story or direct prayer.

Themes to notice

  • Trust over anxietyThe psalm urges God's people not to fret over evil people, but to rely on the Lord's care and timing.
  • The fate of the wickedRepeated contrasts show that evil may seem strong for a time, yet it will not last.
  • The way of the righteousThe righteous are marked by faithfulness, generosity, justice, and a secure future in God's keeping.

Questions for Psalms 37

  • What does this chapter say to someone who feels upset when wrongdoing seems to succeed?
  • How do the actions and character of the righteous differ from those of the wicked in this psalm?
  • Which commands in Psalms 37 are hardest to practice: trust, patience, or refraining from anger?

Read the full text of Psalms 37 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 37

Delight Yourself in the LORD

Of David.

1Do not fret over those who do evil;

do not envy those who do wrong.

2For they wither quickly like grass

and wilt like tender plants.

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 land

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.

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

and dwell in it forever.

30The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,

and his tongue speaks justice.

31The law of his God is in his heart;

his steps do not falter.

32Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous,

and seek to slay them,

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,

you will see it.

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.

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.

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