Psalm 37:11

Delight Yourself in the LORD · Psalm 37:1–40
Read Psalm 37

Translations

Modern
But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.
Traditional
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Literal
And the meek will inherit the land, and they will delight in the abundance of peace.
Latin
Mansueti autem hæreditabunt terram, et delectabuntur in multitudine pacis.

Original

Hebrew
English
But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.

Notes

The Lord creates peace (Psalm 85:10)—he brings peace to a chaotic world (Psalm 29:11; 37:11; 85:8; 147:14). His wisdom leads the meek to peace (Psalm 119:165; Matthew 5:5).

The wicked will not possess the land; those who trust in the Lord will. The Lord promises an inheritance because he is committed to caring for his people.

This psalm addresses the issues raised in Psalm 36:

  • How should the godly react to evil?

  • When will the Lord bring justice?

  • Why does he allow the wicked to harm his creation?

Psalm 37 provides clear answers that reduce the tensions of life (Psalm 37:1–9, 34) and promise that the meek will have a future (Psalm 37:10–11, 39–40).

The contrast between the godly and the wicked highlights the uselessness of foolishness (Psalm 37:12–24, 27–33). The psalmist's personal insights add a human element (Psalm 37:25–26, 35–38). He encourages viewing the land's inheritance with a long-term perspective: The earth belongs to the Lord, who will give it to those he blesses—the humble and godly who trust, hope, and follow him (see Psalm 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34; see also Isaiah 57:13; Matthew 5:5).

Theme notes and profiles

David Inheriting the Land Wisdom Psalms

Parallels

1 Kings 2:1–9

Glossary

Acrostic David Inheritance Music Poetry, Biblical Poor, the Proverbs, Book of Psalms, Book of Riches Wisdom Literature

Topics

Abundance Delight Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Meekness Meekness: General Scriptures Concerning Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With: Shall Inherit the Earth Peace: Spiritual Resignation: Exhortation To Spiritual Peace: Promised to The Meek