시편 Chapter 37

Translation: ESV

1

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!

Key Message

Being envious or agitated over the wicked's temporary prosperity is a response that has lost the eternal perspective.

▸This acrostic wisdom psalm gives instruction to believers who are shaken by seeing the wicked prosper.

This acrostic wisdom psalm gives instruction to believers who are shaken by seeing the wicked prosper. 'Fret not (al titharar)' — do not be agitated, do not be heated. The apparent success of the wicked is temporary and must be remembered as such.

Related Verses

Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked,
3

Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Key Message

Trusting the LORD and doing good is the path of true flourishing in the land.

▸One of the core commands of Psalm 37.

4

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Key Message

When God himself becomes the source of joy, that person's desires align with God's will and are surely fulfilled.

▸The most widely known promise in Psalm 37.

5

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.

Key Message

When one completely commits the path of life to God and trusts him, God himself accomplishes it.

▸'Commit (gol)' — to roll, to hand over completely.

7

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Key Message

Being still and waiting patiently before the LORD is the faithful response in a situation of seeing the wicked prosper.

▸'Be still (dom la'Adonai)' — be quiet, be calm before the LORD.

11

But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

Key Message

Contrary to the world's principle, the meek and humble will ultimately inherit the land and enjoy abundant peace.

▸A verse Jesus quoted in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt.

23

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way;

Key Message

God himself guides and firmly establishes every step of the one who delights in him.

▸'Steps are established (mekhonen mits'adei gaver)' — the steps of a strong man are firmly established.

25

I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.

Key Message

Long experience testifies — God does not forsake the righteous to the end and cares even for their children.

▸A testimony from David's long experience.

34

Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.

Key Message

Those who hope in God and keep his way will ultimately be exalted and witness the cutting off of the wicked.

▸The core counsel of Psalm 37 is presented again.

37

Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.

Key Message

The final outcome of the righteous is peace — no matter how chaotic the world, God's last word is the peace of the righteous.

▸Wisdom concludes the psalm.