Psalm 37:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way;

NIV: The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

NASB: The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way.

CSB: A person's steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way.

NLT: The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

KJV: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

NKJV: The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.

The Lord is in control of the life of a righteous man, and the Lord delights in his course of life. Surely, a righteous person may stumble and even fall, but the Lord will protect him (Psalm 37:24). In Psalm 40:2 David writes: "He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure." Much of the advice given in books such as Proverbs emphasizes how following God's instruction is much more likely to result in good outcomes (Proverbs 3:1–2).

God can keep those who submit to Him from sin (1 Corinthians 10:13), and He will accomplish their salvation and sanctification (Jude 1:24–25). If we do stumble, as the apostle Peter did by denying the Lord, the Lord is able to restore us to Himself (1 John 1:9; Psalm 37:24). Also, if we see a believer stumble into sin, we have a duty to restore that believer in a spirit of gentleness. In the process, we should keep a watch on ourselves, lest we too, are tempted (Galatians 6:1).

Psalm 37:21–31 points out the blessings of the righteous. David describes not only their blessings but also their character and conduct. The Lord blesses the righteous with the promise of an inheritance, personal guidance, protection, provision, a good posterity, and His presence.

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.

Accessed 5/6/2024 5:51:15 PM