Psalms 37:1-40

Listen to Psalm 37.

Memory Verse: 37:25

Questions

Outline

I. Be Still Before the LORD and Wait Patiently for Him (37:1-11)

* The image titled, "Moses Sees Promise Land" is from "The Bible and its Story" book, authored by Charles Horne, 1909. It is now in public domain.

>1. What does it mean to fret? Why shouldn't we fret? What does this mean? (1-2)

* Psalm 37:1-2 "Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away."

* The title is simply,"Of David".

* Structurally, in this alphabetic acrostic, two verses are devoted to each letter of the alphabet, though with some irregularity. (NIV Study Bible and other commentaries.)

* "fret" -To cause to be uneasy; vex. "Fret they soul with crosses and with cares" (Edmund Spenser).

* "envious" -Envy. Feeling, expressing, or characterized by envy. "At times he regarded the wounded soldiers in an envious way... He wished that he to, had a wound, a red badge of courage" (Stephen Crane).

* Psalm 37, an alphabetic acrostic (with irregularity) is an instruction in godly living. The dominant theme is who will rise from the dead to inherit the land, the wicked or the righteous. The answer is found in the contrasting beginning and ending, 1-2 and 39-40. Verses 1-2 speak of the brevity of the evildoes whereas verses 39-40 tell of the Lord's help of the righteous.

The first piece of advice is, "Do not fret because of evildoers." (NIV, KJ, ASV, YLT). Other English translation states, "Do not be agitated by evildoers" (CSB, HCSB) and "Do not be preoccupied with evildoers." (GW). Of course, my first question is, "How to do this?" followed by, "Is it possible?" The answer is found in verse 7, "Surrender yourself to the LORD (Be still before the Lord) and wait patiently for him." If I find myself agitated and preoccupied with evildoers I can go to Jesus for he tells me, "Come to me and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)

The second piece of advice is, "Do not... be envious of those who do wrong (wicked things)." This implies that there are reasons why I can be envious of them. Usually, this is because they have wealth, power, prestige, social status, and so much appears to go their way.

Verse 2 provides the reason why I should not fret nor be envious of those who do wrong. They soon will go away and I will live forever. They will die and be forgotten just as when plants die away. As Jesus said, "Those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last."

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:1-2.

>2. How can a person received the desires of the heart? (3-4) What does this imply about the state of the heart? About a relationship with God?

* Psalm 37:3-4 "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."

* "Trust in the LORD and do good"

* "dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture."

* "Delight yourself in the LORD"

* "he will give you the desires of your heart."

* If you do these things, then this will happen. This is what these verses seem to say. Is this the recipe for a reciprocating correlational relationship? Or the results of life choices because that is how God made the world to exist?

I am told to do two things in these two verses. First, Trust in the LORD and do good, and second, Delight myself in the LORD. These two directives are not meant to be like putting money into a vending machine and getting a snack and drink in return. Trusting in and delighting in the Lord are not commodities. If they are offered as a bargaining coin, then they are not sincere. Sincerity is the only true trust and delight acceptable in a loving and respectful relationship. Is a soul satisfied if the expressed emotion is not given in sincerity?

Since these verses cannot produce a reciprocating correlational relationship because they can be given without sincerity, then are these the results of life choices? Jesus' statement helps when considering this thought, "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:31-33)

David is saying the same, except he states two examples of how to seek first the Lord God's kingdom and righteousness. A person who seeks after the kingdom of God delights themselves in the Lord. A person who seeks God's righteousness first commits their way to the Lord Jesus. If I wake in the morning and know I only have one thing to do first and foremost, that is follow Jesus the rest of the day, then I will dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture, and he will give me the desires of my heart.

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:3-4.

>Why are we told to commit your way the the Lord? To trust in him? (5-6) What will happen? What does it mean to "shine like the dawn"? What is a cause verse 6 is referring to?

* Psalm 37:5-6 "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."

* "Commit your way to the LORD"

* "trust in him and he will do this"

* "He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn"

* "the justice of your cause like the noonday sun"

* Worrying about the future of self is common to the human race. Trusting that the Lord God will act on the person who trusts in him is not. Worrying is in my nature. Trusting that I will not be taken care of is not in my nature. This truth about human nature causes the soul to fall apart with worry illnesses.

Knowing this the Lord Jesus reminds me, "Entrust (Commit) your ways to the LORD. Trust him, and he will act {on your behalf}." Young's Literal Translation is pictorial, "Roll on Jehovah thy way, And trust upon Him, and He worketh,"

Chance, luck, and circumstance are not reality for in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28; Proverbs 16:3) Psalm 55:22 states, "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." 1 Peter 5:7 states the same. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Verse 6 is specific as to what the Lord Jesus will do. "He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Not that there is more he will do on my behalf; just that in the premises of this Psalm this specific act of God is given. Isaiah was given and gives me, "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard." (Isaiah 58:8)

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:5-6.

>3. What can rob tranquility according to verses 7 and 8? How to repel this? How can stillness and patience be obtained according to these verses? What does fretting lead to?

* Psalm 37:7-8 "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil."

* ""Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him"

* "do not fret when men succeed in their ways" -Repeated from verses 1-2.

* "when they carry out their wicked schemes."

* "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath"

* "do not fret--it leads only to evil.""

* The ability to calmly await an outcome or a result is considered a virtue. Bearing and enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, and annoyance with calmness are said to be Christ-like. Forbearance is a skill to be learned. That is why it is so rare. Impatience and defiance are easy. Anyone can portray those. However, being patient is a required skill that most are too stubborn and lazy to master.

Silly is a person who keeps immature impatience because waiting patiently can be acquired with one easy act. All I have to do to acquire resignation is be still before the LORD Jesus. Quiet the soul. rest in him, and be silent are three elements of being still before the Lord Jesus. Surrender the fallen impulse to lose patience with God Almighty inside and I will be stilled. As the Sea of Galilee naturally obeyed Jesus' command, "Be still." So will my restless waves find tranquility in his commanding presence.

Being patient is annoying for the evil when seen in the righteous for what fun do they have when their plans to erode the saint's patient faith do not work? Their self-justification is not obtained. They do not find peace. They will be cut off. So, resisting evil is refraining from anger, turning from wrath, and not fretting over the success of those who practice evil ways. Soon I will inherit the land and they will be gone. Be patient in the Lord Jesus.

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:7-8.

>What is the fate of the evil and those who hope in the LORD? (9-11) How complete is the evil's disappearance? What does it mean to be meek?

* Psalm 37:9-11 "For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace."

* "For evil men will be cut off"

* "those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land."

* "the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found."

* "the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace."

* The contrast between the wicked and the righteous continues in these two verses. The end of the wicked is stated with certainty. That they will be no more is an absolute promise. They will vanish like the fog on an early fall morning, like the stars at dawn. Not even a trace of the wicked will be found.

The righteous are described as meek and humble. They will inherit the land. An inheritance requires someone to die. Because Jesus died for them, the meek became children of God and inherited the kingdom with him. Jesus promised, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5) Zephaniah 3:12 says the meek and humble trust in the name of the LORD.

Meekness and humility go hand in hand. Meekness is defined as showing patience and humility. Gentleness and humility are a personality trait. the opposite of which is pride. Meekness does not refer to weakness or passivity but to controlled power. The meek person has the ability but does not use that ability for selfish gain or for anger and pride.

Jesus is the personification of meekness and humility. (Matthew 11:29, 12:14-21) He entered Jerusalem in humility by riding on a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:53) When Jesus was arrested he stated that he could have called on his Father, and he would put at his disposal more than twelve legions of angels to rescue him. (Matthew 26:53) But he didn't. This is humility. He had the power, but did not use it to save himself for his first mission was to fulfill the will of God, his Father. Those who are meek like Jesus will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:10-11.

II. The Righteous Will Endure Forever, The Wicked Will Perish (37:12-29)

* This engraving, in public domain is from a book by Leemputte, Henricus van den, 1588-1657). It is titled "Het Nieuwe Testament ons salichmaeckers Iesv Christi, mitsgaders d'epistelen : wt het Oude Testament, soo die door 't jaer in den dienst der h. kercke ghelesen worden. / Oversien ende verbetert na den laetsten Roomschen text, door den eerw. H. Henricus van den Leemputte, Licentiaet in de h. Godheyt. Verciert met veel schoone figueren, gesneden door Christoffel van Sichem, voor P.I.P. "
The engraving's title is "Jesus Is Flogged". The image is accompanied by citations of Psalm 72, Psalm 128, and Psalm 37. The monogram of the artist, Christofferl van Sichem (1546-1624), and engraver's knife with initials, MHem., are located in the lower left corner of the image.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.

>4. How do the wicked view the righteous? How does the Lord view the wicked? Why?

* Psalm 37:12-13 "The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming."

* "wicked" -Heart revealed through their actions.

* "plot" -Implying a continual pursue of the wicked.

* "laughs" -The wicked's plots will not be realized in the end.

* The Lord God cursed the serpent saying, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." (Genesis 3:15) "Enmity" in Hebrew is "eybah." It means hostility and hatred. A continual spiritual battle is going on. Hebrews 11:3c says the righteous are spiritual strangers and aliens to the world. The hate of sin, a constant threat is planted in God's children's hearts. The wicked hate the righteous as Cain hated Able and as Saul hated David. This is the nature of the ever active spiritual battle.

"Gnash their teeth" here and in 35:16 is done in malice. (also Lamentations 2:16) The contentment the ungodly have for the righteous is no light matter. It is real and it is often. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them.

However, the Lord Jesus does not let his children alone. He is with them. God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) He knows exactly what is happening. He knows the plots of the ungodly against his children.

The Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath. (2:4-5) Strikingly, the psalmist nowhere in this psalm directly speaks of God's active involvement in bringing the wicked down, though he hints at it in verse 22, "...those he curses will be cut off." The certainty that the life of the wicked "will be cut off" is frequently asserted (9, 22, 28, 34, 38) and the Lord also knows it, but God's positive action is here reserved for his care for and protection of the righteous. The life choices of the wicked bring enough destruction into the life of the wicked. The choice of life in Christ brings protection into the life of the righteous.

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:12-13.

>What is the intent of the wicked? How are the righteous portrayed compared to the wicked in verse 14? Will the wicked realize their plans? (15) What will happen instead?

* Psalm 37:14-15 "The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken."

* "The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow" -Intent to kill.

* "But their swords will pierce their own hearts" -Akin to Jesus' statement, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:1-2)

* "their bows will be broken." -God will end their attacks.

* Several particulars about the wicked and righteous are presented in 14 and 15. The wicked are violent and militant. They intend to kill and destroy. Their heart lashes out against the poor and needy. They have little compassion beyond themselves. Their ultimate solution is to slaughter those whose way is upright.

Yet, the weapons of the wicked eventually are turned back at them. That which they used is used against them. Jesus told Peter on the night he was betrayed and arrested, "All who draw the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26:52) The methods that helped their advance will be the cause of their retreat and distress. They eventually find themselves alone.

The righteous are defined as upright in heart. They adhere to God's principles and teachings. They are often poor and needy. They trust in God. Thus, they do not repay evil for evil. Their wit is seen in their understanding and acceptance of the ways of the Messiah who says, "Come, follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 8:22, 10:38, 16:24, 19:21).

The righteous find the arrow of the wicked pointed at them. (11:2) Faith is tested and perfected when an arrow is pointed at a face that does not blink and will not strike back. They pray, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing." (Luke 13:34) They are not alone for they pour themselves out as a drink offering.

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:14-15.

>What does God put on scales in verses 16 and 17? Which is of greater importance? Why?

* Psalm 37:16-17 "Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous."

* "Better the little that the righteous" -Prosperity is not always, even seldom known by the righteous.

* "the wealth of many wicked" -Jesus said they store up for themselves. Consider the parable of the man who had so much grains that he decided to build more barns.

* "the power" -How they have wealth as much as the wealth they have.

* "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts," declares the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8-9) This would be true for many, perhaps even myself when reading verses 16 and 17. Wealth is how most societies judge who is high, middle, and low class. Even Christian congregations give prominence and esteem to those who appear financially and materially blessed.

Yet much of his life, David was poor. He had little most of the time and for a while, he had nothing, depending on the charity of others. (1 Samuel 21:3-4) Jesus and the disciples were so poor and hungry that at one point they ate grain reserved for the poor. (Luke 6:1) So did Ruth and Naomi. (Ruth 2:2-3) Elijah also lived on charity of others (1 Kings 17:3) and on one occasion an angel brought him a small cake of bread. (1 Kings 19:6) What did all these have in common? They were righteous in the eyes of God and shunned by others and often the most religious people in their society. Some were wanted dead or alive.

Still here David wrote, "Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked..." This truth is witnessed by the fact that many rich were willing to leave all their wealth behind to follow Jesus. Matthew the tax collector, Zacchaeus the chief tax collector (Luke 19:2), and Simon called Peter, his brother Andrew, and James and John left their family businesses to follow Jesus (Luke 18:28; Mark 1:20). Why? Because they saw and believed that being with Jesus was more precious than the wealth of the world. To this day most who follow Jesus are not considered rich by their society. The LORD upholds them for they are his righteous. We are promised, "The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth." (Isaiah 25:8)

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:16-17.

>5. What does "days of the blameless" mean in verse 18? What does "inheritance" imply? Will disasters come? What is a famine? How is this promise in verse 19 possible if the righteous only have a little?

* Psalm 37:18-19 "The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty."

* "days of the blameless"

* "inheritance"

* "they will not wither... they will enjoy plenty"

* Perfect, in general meaning "lacking nothing essentially to the whole" and perfection, in general meaning "the quality or condition of being perfect". These are what the righteous (12, 14, 16, 25, 29, 30, 32, 39) are portrayed as in verse 18. The Lord God Almighty paints the image of the righteous with paint and brush calling the image perfect and perfection.

"Tamim" in Hebrew (a transliteration) used in verse 18 is translated as "perfect", "upright", "blameless", and "innocent people" in various English translations. "The days of the tamim are known to the LORD."

In an imperfect society, the righteous are called "perfect". How is this possible? Is it possible? I consider myself a disciple of Jesus, yet to be honest I believe I am not perfect. I am not referring to my physical body as that is not what the Lord God is referring to in this psalm, nor any other part of scripture when he calls the righteous perfect. Nor does it refer to morality. Perfection Biblically involves more than moral reformation of character.

When teaching about love for enemies and praying for those who persecute me Jesus concludes his words with, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Perfection is love. The Christian present is love and the Christian way is peace. Verse 37, "Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace." Perfection cannot exist without love. Perfection is love.

Perfect is an ideal state of spiritual wholeness or completeness. It is not a quality which is achieved by human effort alone, nor is it an end in itself. Christian perfection consists essentially in exercising the divine gift of love. (Holman Bible Dictionary) Colossians 3:14 states, "Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection."

The promises stated in verses 18 and 19 are for the blameless in love for God and love for neighbor. "The days of the tamim are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster, they will not wither; in days of famine, they will enjoy plenty."

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:18-19.

>Even though they are wealthy what will happen to the wicked?

* Psalm 37:20 "But the wicked will perish: The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish--vanish like smoke."

* "But the wicked will perish" -Stated several times in the psalm.

* "The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields" -Meaning that have wealth, power, and the riches they bring.

* "they will vanish--vanish like smoke." -Mentioned repeatedly in the psalm to give hope to the righteous.

>6. What is a financial difference between the wicked and the righteous? What drives this difference? How does the Lord respond? (21-22)

* Psalm 37:21-22 "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off."

* "The wicked borrow and do not repay"

* "the righteous give generously"

* "those the LORD blesses will inherit the land"

* How do I use that which the Lord is giving me? How do I interact with others with that which the Lord gave me? Am I honest? Do I make agreements with no intent in keeping them? Do I borrow and not repay? Do I take from others for selfish reasons? Do I give generously? Do I hire making promises that I later recant?

Psalm 112:5 & 9 states, "Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice... He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor." Proverbs 11:24-26 promises, "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell."

To the Corinthians who had plenty Apostle Paul wrote about their gift to the poor and persecuted in Jerusalem, "As it is written: 'He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.' Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

A person's wealth is not just financial. Attention, compassion, and love are also gifts from God. Expertise and skill is more valuable than money which is in the pocket one day and stolen the next. I do not have money, but I do have something worth giving. I have life experiences with my Maker.

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:20-22.

>What does it mean to have firm steps?

* Psalm 37:23-26 "If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed."

* "steps firm" -Meaning sure and true. He will be able to arrive at the destination.

* "I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread" -Similar to Jesus' message on the mount/plain.

* Verses 23-24. A long-time best-selling fictitious book "The Pilgrim's Progress (from This World to That Which Is to Come)" by John Bunyan was published in 1678. It tells the journey of a man named Christian who makes his way to a pivotal decision before Jesus on the cross part way through his journey. Christian leaves his heavy pack of burdens at the foot of the cross. As he continues, he meets several interesting people and for a time has a companion on his journey. His life journey on his life path leads to a diverse range of environments and sometimes he takes dangerous diversions. Eventually, he makes it to the celestial city.

I do not remember if verses 23 and 24 are quoted in the book, but they could be. I consider that I have choices to make every moment of the day. However, the situations that I am in are directed by the Lord. These verses in a sense are for everyone. However, they are more pleasant and true to the ears of those the Lord delights in. My way is directed by the Lord. However, as I reach interesting people and a diverse range of environments my thoughts, emotions, reactions, and actions are weighed by the Lord Jesus. The day is coming when I will have to give an account of how I responded. As Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit where he was tested and passed, I too am led.

What if I am led to the dangerous and terrifying? I will not stumble nor fall for the Lord Jesus upholds my hand. When Peter started walking on the water to Jesus and started to sink. Jesus reaches out to me and lifts me up. "He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. "It is not by strength that one prevails..." (1 Samuel 2:9) "The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time." (Psalm 145:14-15) "Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the LORD's wrath, until he pleads my case and establishes my right. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness." (Micah 7:8-9)

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:25-26.

* Verses 25-26. Fear of an unknown future drives people to do things that they will later regret and be ashamed of. Yet, fear of an unknown future is not the root of the problem. Fear of the unknown future is because people do not believe in the one and only God who they chose not to know. Choosing to not believe in God creates fear of an unknown future.

Trusting in oneself to provide for oneself is scary because all know that they cannot control themselves and others all the time. "Stuff happens," is what people used to say. The more we try to control everything the more we fret and stress. This is not good. We were not designed to live this way. We were not designed to live without the one and only true God.

A life without fear is found in a God who drives away fear. Living this way is accomplished by the righteous. The righteous are never forsaken. The righteous choose to know the one and only God. They trust and believe in him. This causes them to be generous and lend freely. Freely they were given, freely they give. They do not fear for their children's future either. They know God will always be there. He knows what we need. God loves and cares. We are designed to live with the one and only true God. We are to believe like little children who trust their parents.

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:23-24.

>What can be learned from verses 27 thru 29?

* Psalm 37:27-29 "Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever."

* "Turn from evil and do good" -In the original Hebrew, "sur ra asa tob". All English translations have phase the same.

* "loves" -"Ahab" a verb in the original Hebrew used 208 times in the Old Testament meaning "to have affection for".

* "forever" -Eternal life stated in each of these verses is the nouns "olam" and "ad" in the original Hebrew.

* The direction toward truth is often repeated in the Bible as presented in these two verses. (Psalm 34:14, 1-2:28; Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5) A word for turn away from evil, do what is good is repent. The gospel includes the need to feel remorse, contrition, and self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do followed by a desire and need for forgiveness and a desire to change for the better.

The truth that the Lord God loves justice only makes sense for only a loving God must possess this character trait to forgive and bless the repentant soul. Justice and the gospel go hand in hand.

Who do we like to have around us? Who do we spend time with? I want to be with those who love me and like that which I like. The Lord Jesus is the same. He has invited me to follow him, meaning to follow his ways to be like him. This is the way it was meant to be at creation. Those the Lord Jesus wants to be with he will not abandon. They are faithful to him and he is faithful to them.

The author of Hebrews wrote, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:27-29.

III. Wait for the LORD and Keep His Way (37:30-40)

* This drawing in public domain from a book by Luiken, Jan (1649-1712). It is titled "De onwaardige wereld : vertoond in vyftig zinnebeelden, met godlyke spreuken en stichtelyke verzen / door Jan Luiken" The titled is "The Death-Bed of Vice". Four people with gestures of desperation surround the bed, on which a dying person is trying to hold on to the thread that connects him to the World, which is being taken away by Time; the thread is about to be cut by Death. A devil with wings hangs above the dying person. The Dutch artist and poet Jan Luiken, whose initials are at the lower right, was responsible for drawing and etching this emblem and for the poem that accompanies it (below). The attendant scripture text is Psalm 37:35-36.

The accompanying poem is:

>7. What does the righteous speak? What is in his heart? How does these lead to understanding the phrase, "his feet do not slip"?

* Psalm 37:30-31 "The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip."

* "mouth... tongue" -They are not always silent about matters that matter.

* "law of his God" -In David's time this referred to the first five books of the Bible.

* "his feet do not slip" -While walking the path of life which includes following God's law.

* Jesus told his disciples after he rose from the dead to spread the good news to the ends of the earth. They did though all of them were threatened to the point of death often. Their mouths uttered wisdom though persecuted. Their tongues spoke justice though their bodies ached. They loved Jesus and his words. Jesus' truths were in their heart though their bodies withered. They accomplished what they were commanded, some to old age, all to death by enemies of the gospel. There is no retirement from speaking wisdom.

Supply the truth to the righteous and they will benefit. Supply the truth to the fool and they will throw it back in your face, usually violently. After teaching his disciples that they should not judge others he shockingly said, "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces." (Matthew 7:6) Those who oppose God, opposes God's messenger. Jesus warns me to be selective on who I give the word of God. Jesus wants me to have discernment. Proverbs 9:8 says, "Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you." Yet here I am, a layman holding a job and spreading the truth on the internet to anyone led to read and listen. Though my body withers, here I am receiving more hostility than kindness and generosity. Here I am loving the truth and its origin.

>What do the wicked do? Why? What is their future?

* Psalm 37:32-33 "The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives; but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial."

* "wicked" -Those who do not love God nor their fellows along with other violations of God and his way. They are mostly protrayed in the psalm as committing evil acts upon others, especially the righteous.

* "their power" -Implying they have power over others for a time while in this world.

* "or let them be brought to trial" -The righteous.

* The wind hurls snow and unearthly low howls at a thin wall charging me to stay under the protection of a comforter. Hallo whines forewarning, "He lies in wait near the village; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victim. He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off with razor incisors." (Psalm 10:8-9)

"What beast so cruel seeks the flesh of the poor and helpless? Why do the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives?" The soul at peace has become a distant memory, merely swirling visions of a hot desert horizon. Sour eyes press the back of the skull, pools of dry pain. The brain's heated swells beseeches the skull to break. An acid stomach violently relinquishes empty content. Strength poured out like a drink offering.

Last breath reaches for my Maker. My spirit brushed by His Spirit hears, "Your LORD will not leave him in power. I will not allow you to be condemned when brought to trial. Do not fret because of evil men. Like the grass, they will soon wither, like green plants, they will soon die away. The Comforter covers the anguished soul.

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:32-33.

>8. What promises are made in verse 34? Why?

* Psalm 37:34 "Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it."

* The promise is made, "Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it." Believing this from my heart is of great importance. I will see the day of judgment fulfilled with my own eyes. Do I believe it enough to live it? A lesson can be learned from Elisha's time.

Samaria, the capital of Israel was under a long siege caused by Aram's entire army. The king of Israel was angry at Elisha and angry at the Lord. (2 Kings 6:24-33) The king said in anger, "This disaster is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?"

Elisha said, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria." (2 Kings 7:11) The officer sent to kill Elisha did not believe. "You will see it with your own eyes," answered Elisha, "but you will not eat any of it!"

Some lepers outside of the city decided to surrender to the Arameans. When they arrived at the camp it was deserted for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army. They ate and went back to tell Samaria. When the people heard they ran to the abandoned camp and were filled just as Elisha had said. "Now the king had put the officer on whose arm he leaned in charge of the gate, and the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died, just as the man of God had foretold when the king came down to his house (to kill him). (2 Kings 7:17)

Believe today. Wait today. Obey today. It is imperative to obtain the Inheritance of the Lord already assigned. "He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it."

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:34.

>Does present riches and comfort predict the future? (35-36)

* Psalm 37:35-36 "I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, 36 but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found."

* David, the author of the psalm repeats the theme concerning the wicked and ruthless sure to perminate end. He states that he has personally witnessed an example in his life. He knew an evil man who had everything most people desire to have; wealth, power, success, health, fame, and even some admiration. He flourished like a green tree in its native soil. He suffered because of this wicked person. Then the evil man was gone, not to be found. I wonder, "How is this possible? A wicked person seems to get away with evil."

Two types of evil exist. First, natural evils such as earthquakes, cancer, and tornadoes. Second, moral evil has its source in the choice and action of humans. The first we call evil, however this does not fall within the Biblical definition of evil. Christianity holds that evil is opposed to God and His purposes. Natural events we call evil are not causes, they are results. So to the question. If God is all-powerful and good, as the Bible affirms, why does He allow evil?

First, God limited Himself in giving people and angels freedom. To be truly human, a person must have the power of choice. Love is displayed only when we are free to choose between love and hate. Love, respect, and choice go together.

Second, humans use freedom in such a way as to bring in evil. Today I may make evil choices, that is, decisions that oppose God and His purposes. When I make this choice I am choosing not to love God.

Third, back of human revolt stood Satan. Just as the Serpent tempted Eve to sin, and Eve convinced Adam to sin; so Satan and those who sin are an every temptation to sin. It is clear, then, that God did not create evil and sin. He merely provided the options necessary for human freedom. People sinned, and before that, the fallen angels, not God for God cannot oppose himself nor his will.

Fourth, even though evil is because of human revolt and failure, God continues to be active in redeeming people from their self-imposed evil. As David attests here, God reserves his intervention in helping the righteous.

Fifth, God deals with evil through judgment and wrath.

Sixth, God deals with evil through the incarnation, the cross, and the resurrection. God's interventions are best seen through Jesus' willful act of allowing himself to be arrested, tried, tortured, crucified, and die for the sins of the world.

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:35-36.

>9. What is the outcome of the righteous and wicked? (37-38)

* Psalm 37:37-38 "Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off."

* "blameless... upright... man of peace"

* "sinners... wicked"

>10. How does the final two verses work together with the first two in bookmarking the theme of the psalm?

* Psalm 37:39-40 "The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him."

* "salvation" -from the wicked as portrayed in ths psalm.

* These two verses are linked in theme to verses 1 and 2.

* The ultimate contrast presented in the psalm is repeated again at the end. The blameless, upright, and peacemaker has an eternal future. The sinners and wicked will be cut off.

I am told to observe the upright. Who are the upright? The autistic child sitting alone in the school cafeteria is righteous. The small girl laughed at by other girls because she doesn't listen to a singer who wears so little clothes on stage. The coworker who is made fun of because they refuse to drink alcohol at the company party. The couple who spend their evenings with their family rather than at a bar and bring their children to a Bible teaching congregation rather than sleep in. The upright is an elderly single person who goes to church every Sunday and is never greeted or noticed.

Who is the sinner? The child who ignores the autistic peer. The girls who bully the small girl. The coworkers who ridicule the person they work with. Family members who gossip about their sibling's strange boring life. The religious elite who only talk to and recognize their friends at church. These people care little for the Lord and his teaching except when it applies to their own fortune.

The LORD helps the righteous and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. They are not at the mercy of the wicked for the LORD is their refuge, and despite all that the wicked do, the Lord makes secure their inheritance in the promised land.

Listen to the above comments on Psalm 37:37-40.