Keraia
Psalm 37

Psalm 37:16

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

Translations

Modern
Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.
Traditional
A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
Literal
Better is the little of the righteous, than the riches of many wicked.
Latin
Melius est modicum justo, super divitias peccatorum multas:

Original

Hebrew
English
Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.

Notes

Psalms 37:16

It is better to be wise with little money than to be rich and evil (Proverbs 15:16; 16:8, 19; 17:1; 28:6).

Psalms 37:12–17

The wicked seek to destroy the Lord’s order, but he defeats them.

Psalms 37:1–40

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).

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

Contentment with Godliness is Great Gain Contentment: General Scriptures Concerning Poor: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Riches: General Scriptures Concerning Wicked (People): Punishment of