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Psalm Thirty Seven
by Dr. Henry M. Morris
(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)
A Psalm of David.
Psalm 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord. Note the progression in Psalm 37:3-7 with respect to our growth in the Lord. (1) “Trust in the Lord” (Psalm 37:3); (2) “Delight thyself also in the Lord”( Psalm 37:4); (3) “Commit thy way unto the Lord” (Psalm 37:5); (4) “Rest in the Lord”( Psalm 37:7).
verily thou shalt be fed. The Hebrew word here for “verily” is also translated “truth.” For example, “all His works are done in truth” (Psalm 33:4). It is said here that God's people will be fed not just with bread; more importantly, God shall feed them with His truth! The unbeliever, on the other hand, feeds on spiritual “ashes” and “wind” (Isaiah 44:20; Hosea 12:1), and even “wormwood” and “gall” (Jeremiah 23:15).
Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Psalm 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
inherit the earth. See also Psalm 37:9, 22, 34. This wonderful promise was also cited by Jesus as one of His beatitudes (Matthew 5:5).
Psalm 37:12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
Psalm 37:13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
The Lord shall laugh. The concept of God laughing at the wicked seems strange in contrast to His mercy and longsuffering. But God's mocking laughter occurs only after the wicked have conclusively rejected His proffered love and mercy, and then continued in their arrogant rebellion against Him. Note Proverbs 1:24-26; Psalm 2:1-5; Psalm 59:8, etc.
Psalm 37:15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
Psalm 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
Psalm 37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
Psalm 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Psalm 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
steps of a good man. Note that the Lord “delights” in the ways of those who “delight [themselves] in the Lord” (Psalm 37:4). In fact, He “orders their steps.” See also Proverbs 3:6, and note Psalm 37:31.
his seed begging bread. This is David's personal testimony, not a statement of universal law. Nevertheless, similar testimony could be given by countless believers.
green bay tree. This is probably the bay laurel, a tall evergreen often used as a symbol of prosperity.
Psalm 37:26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
Psalm 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Psalm 37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
Psalm 37:30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
Psalm 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
Psalm 37:32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
Psalm 37:33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
Psalm 37:35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Psalm 37:36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
Psalm 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.