Keraia
Psalm 37

Psalm 37:34

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

Translations

Modern
Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
Traditional
Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
Literal
Wait on YHWH and keep His way, and He will exalt you so as to possess the land; in the cutting off of the wicked, you will see it.
Latin
Exspecta Dominum, et custodi viam ejus, et exaltabit te ut hæreditate capias terram: cum perierint peccatores, videbis.

Original

Hebrew
English
Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

Notes

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 Biblical Concept of Law David Music Poetry, Biblical Poor, the Proverbs, Book of Psalms, Book of Wisdom Literature

Topics

Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Desire: Spiritual God: Providence of Righteous: Promises To, Expressed or Implied Waiting on the Lord Wicked (People): Punishment of