Psalm Category: Wisdom Psalm

Central Thought: In Psalm 37, the psalmist explores how one inherits the land, a symbol of temporal and eternal blessing.

Key Word: Eres (v. 3). Eres is translated as “land” and is employed 7 times in Psalm 37 (vv. 3, 9, 11, 22, 27, 29, 34). Eres is a rich theological word. It can refer to the entire created world (Gen. 1:9-13; Ps. 24:1), specifically to the Promised Land (Gen. 15:18), and also can be used as a metaphor for heaven itself. Although Abraham was longing to enter the Promised Land, he was ultimately looking beyond this to a greater country (Heb. 11:10). It is this land that is inherited by those who place their trust in Jesus (Matt. 5:5).

Psalm 37

In Psalm 37, David calls us to pursue the path of righteousness even when it seems like the wicked are prevailing.

The Great Contrast (vv. 1-38): Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm. Like other wisdom psalms (e.g. Psalms 1, 73, 91, 92, 111, 119, 127, 128, 133), its purpose is primarily to teach us how to live well in the covenant. In this sense, Psalm 37 functions much like the book of Proverbs. In fact, the first verse of Psalm 37 is a direct quotation from Proverbs 24:19.

Another connection between Psalm 37 and Proverbs is that both employ the use of contrast to instruct the reader. In Proverbs, the author contrasts the wise man and the fool and encourages the reader to choose the path of the wise. Likewise, in Psalm 37, David contrasts the nature of the wicked and the righteous, encouraging the reader to choose the path of the latter.

Note the stark contrast David draws between the wicked and the righteous in Psalm 37. David describes the wicked as those who “scheme” (vv. 7, 32), “plot” (v. 12), use violence (v. 14), and do not pay their debts (v. 21). In contrast, David tells us that the righteous are those who “trust in the Lord” (vv. 3, 5, 7, 34), are “meek” (v. 11), “blameless” (vv. 18, 37), generous with their wealth (vv. 21, 26), and upright and peaceable in their conduct (v. 37). Like the book of Proverbs, David is setting before us two paths, and he wants us to understand that the most successful path is that of the righteous.

However, David realizes there is a seeming flaw in his argument. He knows that the wicked often seem to do quite well, and he readily admits this. In verse 7, he notes that the wicked often succeed and are able to carry out their wicked plans. In verse 35, he notes that he has seen wicked men flourish like green trees. David realizes he must answer the question, “Why do the wicked seem to prosper?”

David answers this question in a manner which is similar to the fable of the tortoise and the hare. He instructs the believer that it might appear as if the wicked are winning in the short-term, but in the long run they will ultimately fail because of their foolishness and wickedness. In other words, David contends that the success of the wicked is real, but fleeting (v. 36).

Because the success of the wicked is only momentary, David admonishes us not to “fret” over or “envy” it (v. 1). Instead, he calls us to act like the tortoise and patiently maintain the course of righteousness to the very end.

The Apostle Paul provides an excellent summary of David’s wisdom, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9). Likewise, David tells us that, if we persevere in righteousness, we will inherit the land.

The Great Gift (vv. 39-40): It is important to caution the reader not to interpret this psalm as advocating inheritance by works. David disavows any notion of this in verses 39-40. He declares that salvation “comes from the Lord,” not from our works. The land is ultimately not inherited by those who strive, but by those who are “meek” (v. 11).

Again, this teaching of David is summarized in the New Testament, this time by our Lord. Jesus reiterates the teaching of Psalm 37:11 in the Beatitudes by declaring, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5). The good news is that those who in meekness commit themselves to Jesus Christ and are blessed by the imputation of His righteousness not only will inherit the land, but they will ultimately inherit the entire earth!

—Anthony Selvaggio