Fall; either, 1. Into sin, as this word is used, Jeremiah 8:4; 1 Corinthians 10:12; or rather, 2. Into distress or trouble, as Micah 7:8. Not be utterly cast down, i.e. not totally nor irrecoverably ruined. read more
INTRODUCTIONThis psalm was probably written by David in his old age, and contains his experience in reference to the providential dealings of God with men. It acknowledges the transient prosperity of the wicked, but places in sublime contrast therewith the confidence and destiny of the good, and proves clearly that the latter have little cause to envy the former. It is folly to envy a man because be is clothed in the garb of a king; he may, after all, be only a pauper in disguise.THE TRANSIENT... read more
Psalms 37:23-24 I. The first truth of the text is that God orders, arranges, establishes, the details of His children's lives. II. God is pleased with him who thus lets his steps be ordered. III. The Psalmist recognises infirmity as an element of the good man's walk. There is a possibility of his falling, which the text provides for: "The Lord upholdeth him with His hand." IV. From these truths we conclude: (1) If God has ordained a way for men to walk in, it is the height of folly to walk in... read more
DISCOURSE: 565GOD’S INTEREST IN HIS PEOPLEPsalms 37:23-24. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.THAT Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth, should regard one rather than another amongst the sinners of mankind, appears incredible; and for any one to imagine himself to be amongst those who are pre-eminently favoured by him, would be judged a height of... read more
Psalms 37:1-40 Psalms 37:1-40 is an interesting psalm of David in which he begins with the words,Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity ( Psalms 37:1 ).In verse Psalms 37:7 he also says, "Fret not thyself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devises to pass." In verse Psalms 37:8 , "Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil."Now a common characteristic of our lives is that of fretfulness. How easy it... read more
Psalms 37:1 . Fret not thyself, be not angry or irritated, because of evil doers. Let the consummate courtier gain elevation, let the merchant aggrandize his family, and the rich men buy the lands of the poor: the triumphing of the wicked is short. The peerage shall soon be extinct, and the mansion come to the hammer. Psalms 37:3 . Dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Hebrews Dwell in the land, and feed on the truth. Then the Lord will be to thee a satisfying portion,... read more
Psalms 37:21-26The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth.The superiority of the righteous to the wickedI. In relation to society.1. The righteous man here is put in social contrast to the wicked, which “borroweth” and doth not pay. David means to say that the wicked are often in society needy and dishonest.2. In contrast with this, look at the righteous, “The righteous showeth mercy and giveth.”(1) He has the means of helping. Moral goodness is... read more
Psalms 37:24The Lord upholdeth him with His hand. Hand in hand with GodThe force of this passage is somewhat lost by the rendering of it here. What David says literally is this, Jehovah is holding his hand. “His hand” is the man’s hand--not God’s hand. Read it thus, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for Jehovah is holding his hand”--that is what David means. The mental image in this text is just this. A child has to tread a certain path. That child is weak and timid--he may be... read more
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand. Ver. 24. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down ] See Proverbs 24:16 . If he fall, yet he falleth forward; and if he be cast down, yet be continueth not, Quum ruit non corruit (Vat.); so 2 Corinthians 4:9 ; as do the wicked, Ezekiel 32:4 , whom God casteth into the briers, and there leaveth them. For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand ] God’s hand is still under his; and his... read more
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Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:1-40
XXXVII. An acrostic poem. Its object is to teach patience and hope. The pious Jews, the Hasidim of Psalms 4:3 * who observe the Law strictly, are at present poor and oppressed. They are to wait for the end, when God will separate the good from the bad and will recompense men according to their deserts. Psalms 37:1 agrees almost verbally with Proverbs 29:14. For the “ envy” intended, see Psalms 73:3. Psalms 37:4 a. Render as mg. Godly men find their delight in Yahweh because they do His... read more