Psalm 37:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

NIV: But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.

NASB: But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.

CSB: But the humble will inherit the land and will enjoy abundant prosperity.

NLT: The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity.

KJV: But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

NKJV: But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

This verse is quoted—or at least echoed—by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:5). The "meek," in this context, is not a reference to those who are timid or shy. The Hebrew word used here implies humility, as does the equivalent Greek term used in the New Testament. Those who humbly submit themselves to the will of God might be powerful in their personalities, but still "meek" in their lack of arrogance and egotism. Moses, for example, was a meek man (Numbers 12:3). He humbly did God's will by confronting Pharaoh and by leading the Hebrews through the wilderness.

Prior verses reiterated that evil people will be destroyed (Psalm 37:9–10). Those who trust God not only experience security in their minds (Psalm 37:1–2), they are also destined for godly peace (Isaiah 32:17).

The "land" referred to here is the land of Israel, but looking forward into the future. One day, a generation of believing Jews and Gentiles will live in Israel when Jesus, the Prince of Peace, establishes His kingdom there. At that time peace will prevail and wild animals will lose their savagery. Isaiah 2:4 predicts that wars will cease. Nations will convert their weapons into farm implements. Isaiah 11:6–7 predicts, "The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox." Isaiah also wrote: "For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace" (Isaiah 55:12).

Psalm 37:1–11 encourages David's audience to maintain a proper relationship with God by refusing to wallow in anxiety over their circumstances. Instead, they ought to trust in the Lord, find their joy in the Lord, and commit their future to the Lord. The tone of this passage resembles Proverbs chapter two, which explains the benefits of following godly wisdom. Matthew 5:5 holds a promise that parallels verses 9 and 11 of this psalm.

In this psalm, David contrasts the way God protects and saves His people, contrasted with the ruin which awaits the wicked. Much of this seems to be based on David's own experiences (Psalm 37:25, 35). As with many other passages in Psalms and Proverbs, this passage encourages godly wisdom. Those who reject God and His ways can expect uncertainty on earth and disaster in eternity.

Psalm 37 lies in the first division of Psalms and addresses mankind. Its tone resembles that of the book of Proverbs. The psalm dispenses wisdom about the security of the righteous man and the insecurity and fate of the wicked man. Psalms 36 and 39 also describe the insecurity and fate of the wicked. The covenant God made with Israel in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27—30 is the basis for David's assurance that the righteous are secure. The issue of the prosperity of the wicked is also featured in Psalms 49 and 73. David most likely wrote Psalm 37 in his old age.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.