Psalm 37:37 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.

NIV: Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.

NASB: Observe the blameless person, and look at the upright; For the person of peace will have a future.

CSB: Watch the blameless and observe the upright, for the person of peace will have a future.

NLT: Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.

KJV: Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

NKJV: Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; For the future of that man is peace.

The expression "to mark," as used here, means "to take note of, or to pay special attention to." David's instruction is for the reader or hearer to look at the example of those who are "blameless" and "upright."

"Blameless" does not mean sinlessly perfect. No person, other than Jesus, has ever been or ever will be perfect (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus never thought a sinful thought, nor did He commit a sinful act. But every other human being has sinned and falls short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Rather, to be blameless means to be "above reproach." Paul told Timothy that a church leader "must be blameless" (1 Timothy 3:2 KJV). If only perfectly sinless men were qualified to be overseers, no church would have an overseer.

In a similar way, those who are upright can be contrasted with those who are crooked (Proverbs 17:20). As do other general statements in Psalms and Proverbs, this verse notes that the morally upright person is more likely to see a peaceful future (Proverbs 9:10–11). The word "future" may imply that his descendants, too, will enjoy peace.

Christians enjoy peace with God (Romans 5:1), and by committing their concerns to God in prayer they can also enjoy the peace of God in their hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Psalm 37:32–40 describes the actions of the wicked and the judgment they face at the hands of the Lord. It also relates what the righteous person ought to do and what the Lord will do for him. The wicked have a dreadful future, whereas the future of the righteous is one of exaltation, peace, and deliverance.

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.