What does Psalm 34:21 mean?

David knew the righteous have troubles and are despised by their adversaries. Scripture is fully aware that faithful service to God does not make a person immune to hardship (Psalm 34:19; John 16:33). What provides ultimate hope for those who love God is knowledge that the Lord turns the tables on the wicked—He makes their efforts part of their own ruin. While struggles in life are part of a believer's path to eternity (Romans 8:28–30; Revelation 21:4), even the greatest success of the wicked is preparation for their judgment (John 3:36; Revelation 20:15).

The wicked despise the righteous (1 Peter 4:3–4), but they will pay a bitter price for their sin. A classic example of this is what became of Judas. He betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, but his sin made him feel so miserable he returned the money (Matthew 27:3) and then hanged himself (Matthew 27:5).

Further evidence of the condemnation of the wicked is found in Revelation 19. Satan's two henchmen, who spill the blood of righteous people in the tribulation period, receive judgment when Jesus returns to earth. He captures them and throws them "alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur" (Revelation 19:20). The righteous experience suffering, but it is only for "a little time" (1 Peter 1:6). However, the wicked will experience suffering that lasts forever (Revelation 20:10).