Psalm 37, attributed to David, is a wisdom psalm that offers guidance on how believers should respond to the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Likely written in David’s later years, as suggested by verse 25 (“I was young and now I am old”), this psalm reflects his seasoned perspective on life, faith, and God’s justice.
This psalm reassures believers that God’s justice will prevail, encouraging trust, patience, and righteous living. Written as an acrostic, with each stanza beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, its structure reinforces its purpose as a teaching tool. From a dispensational viewpoint, Psalm 37 emphasizes God’s sovereignty and faithfulness across all ages, affirming that His plans will ultimately be fulfilled.
Words: 1523 / Time to read: 8 minutes
The Call to Trust and Patience (Verses 1–11)
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:1-7)
David begins by addressing a common struggle: the temptation to envy the wicked when they appear to prosper. He reassures believers that their success is fleeting, likening them to grass that withers and green plants that fade. This metaphor reflects the transient nature of earthly riches and power, echoing James 1:10-11: “The sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.”
The psalm calls believers to focus on trusting God and doing good, promising that He will provide and protect. The instructions to “commit your way to the Lord” and “be still before the Lord” emphasize surrender and patience, virtues essential for enduring life’s trials. The promise that “he will give you the desires of your heart” reflects the alignment of our desires with God’s will as we delight in Him.
Dispensationally, this section reflects God’s faithfulness to provide for His people in every age. For Israel, this meant dwelling securely in the land; for believers today, it assures us of spiritual provision and the hope of eternal reward.
The Justice of God Against the Wicked (Verses 12–20)
“The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.” (Psalm 37:12-17)
David reassures the righteous that God is neither indifferent nor unaware of the wicked’s schemes. The image of God laughing at the wicked mirrors Psalm 2:4, underscoring the futility of their rebellion against His sovereignty. The promise that “their day is coming” highlights the certainty of divine judgment.
The psalm contrasts the temporary power of the wicked with the enduring strength of the righteous, upheld by God. The phrase “better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked” echoes Proverbs 15:16: “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.” This reflects the dispensational truth that God’s blessings often transcend material prosperity, focusing instead on spiritual abundance and eternal rewards.
The Lord’s Faithfulness to the Righteous (Verses 21–31)
“The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. But the wicked will perish: Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.” (Psalm 37:18-20)
David emphasizes God’s faithfulness to sustain and bless the righteous. The assurance that “their inheritance will endure forever” points to the eternal nature of God’s promises. This contrasts sharply with the fate of the wicked, who are likened to flowers that are consumed and vanish like smoke.
This section reflects the dispensational principle of inheritance. For Israel, this often referred to the Promised Land; for the Church, it points to the believer’s heavenly inheritance in Christ (1 Peter 1:4). The statement that “in times of disaster they will not wither” aligns with Paul’s assurance: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
The Future of the Righteous and the Wicked (Verses 32–40)
“The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, intent on putting them to death; but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial. Hope in the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.” (Psalm 37:32-34)
David closes the psalm by contrasting the destinies of the righteous and the wicked. The wicked may lie in wait for the righteous, but God’s protection and ultimate justice ensure their plans will not prevail. The promise that “you will see it” underscores the certainty of God’s intervention and vindication.
The statement “Hope in the Lord and keep his way” reflects a call to perseverance. This parallels Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” For the righteous, the assurance of God’s justice offers hope and motivation to remain steadfast.
Theological Reflection: Trusting in God’s Sovereignty
Psalm 37 addresses the timeless struggle of reconciling the prosperity of the wicked with the suffering of the righteous. Its message is clear: God’s justice is certain, and His faithfulness is sure. From a dispensational perspective, this psalm highlights the continuity of God’s character and His dealings with humanity across all ages.
- The Wicked’s Prosperity Is Temporary: While the wicked may appear to flourish, their success is fleeting and their judgment is inevitable.
- The Righteous Are Sustained by God: God’s provision and care for the righteous transcend material circumstances, reflecting His eternal promises.
- Patience and Trust Are Key: Believers are called to wait on God, trusting in His timing and justice.
Metaphors and Comparisons in Psalm 37
Psalm 37 employs vivid imagery to convey its themes:
- Grass That Withers (Verse 2): The wicked’s prosperity is likened to grass that fades, emphasizing its fleeting nature. This connects to Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
- Broken Swords and Bows (Verse 15): The tools of the wicked turn against them, symbolizing the futility of opposing God.
- Inheritance (Verse 18): The enduring inheritance of the righteous contrasts with the destruction of the wicked, reflecting the eternal nature of God’s promises.
These metaphors enhance the psalm’s message, inviting reflection on God’s justice and faithfulness.
Timeless Lessons for Believers
Psalm 37 offers guidance and encouragement for believers in every age:
- Focus on God’s Faithfulness: Instead of envying the wicked, trust in God’s provision and justice.
- Live Righteously: Commit your way to the Lord, delight in Him, and trust His plans for your life.
- Wait on God’s Timing: Patience and trust are essential, knowing that God’s justice will prevail.
- Find Hope in Eternal Promises: The inheritance of the righteous is secure, offering assurance and motivation to persevere.
Conclusion: Trusting in God’s Justice
Psalm 37 is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. It challenges us to reject envy, trust in God’s provision, and live righteously, confident that His justice will prevail. For believers, it offers assurance that the wicked’s prosperity is fleeting, while the righteous are sustained by God’s eternal promises.
As we reflect on this psalm, let us commit our ways to the Lord, delight in His faithfulness, and trust that His plans are perfect. May we live with patience and hope, confident in the God who upholds His people and brings justice in His time.
“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
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New International Version (NIV)
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