Psalm 37
Do Not Fret.
The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth.
Proverbs
Introduction
• This psalm was written by David.
• While it contrasts the wicked and the righteous as
others psalms have done, it seems to be a source of
a variety of observations and lessons.
• Some compare this psalm to a chapter in the book
of Proverbs.
• Because of its length, we will only examine certain
verses and thoughts.
• There is a phrase found several times in this chapter
(at least similar in fashion).
Introduction
• Perhaps, we are more familiar with this phrase from
the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:5 where Jesus said,
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
• This thought is also found in vs. 11 of our psalm - The
idea of the meek inheriting the earth.
• This is a good psalm to read when you are frustrated as
it addresses the behavior of the ungodly and reminds
us of who is REALLY in control.
• While we cannot address every verse in detail, I
encourage you to contrast the righteous with the
ungodly.
Do Not Fret
• The word fret (used 3 times in this text - 1, 7 & 8)
means to become angry with.
Some scholars define the word as “to be hot, to be
furious, to become angry, become kindled.”
• Solomon repeated this thought in Proverbs 24:19
• We are not to fret against the evil doers and
workers of iniquity.
NOR are we to be envious of those who work
iniquity.
Do Not Fret
• In an earlier psalm, David posed the question, “Why
do the nations rage?” (2:1)
• We become frustrated as we see the wicked and
ungodly seem to prosper.
• And it should be frustrating because we want
goodness to prevail in this life for all, and it seems
to not happen.
• But we should never become furiously angry about
it.
Do Not Fret
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Let God take care of it.
Leave it in His hands, cf. Romans 12:17-19,
Why?
Let God take care of them.
See vs. 2 – they shall soon be cut down.
Do Not Fret
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So how do we deal with the ungodly?
The answer is by living godly.
In these verses David notes:
Trust in the Lord and do good (3) Do good (3) – rather than sinking to the level of the
ungodly, do what is right, even above right.
• E.g. – turn the other cheek., go the second mile,
etc.
Do Not Fret
• Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness –
don’t leave His fold or the land of your inheritance
(spiritually speaking).
• I am reminded of another beatitude, “Blessed are
those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.”
• Delight yourself in the Lord (4) – do we truly take
pleasure in serving God.
• That is the answer to TRUE contentment.
Do Not Fret
• Commit your way to Him (5) – resolve to serve Him
regardless of what happens
• Trust Him (5) (see vs. 3) – it means that we have faith.
• Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him (7) – is He
your hope?
• God will bring forth your righteousness. LET HIIM! (6)
• Do not fret because he prospers (consider what Jesus
said to the prosperous Jews who bragged about their
giving, prayers and fasting.
Do Not Fret
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He said, “They have their reward”
Don’t be angry.
In fact, forsake the idea!
When we fret, it causes harm.
It will not accomplish any lasting good to sink to
their level with an ungodly attitude.
Who Will Inherit The Earth?
• The significance of this will help us to understand what
Jesus was speaking of in the Sermon on the Mount.
• Most believe Jesus was quoting from this psalm when
He added it to the beatitudes.
• What does it actually mean?
• This is a challenging promise because it seems contrary
to what we see.
• In this world it is the wicked who seem to get ahead
and run things.
• It is their success that prompts frustration among the
righteous to ask, “why do the nations rage?” or as we
read in vs. 1 how some “fret because of evil doers.”
Who Will Inherit The Earth?
• The assurance of this promise shows that God is in
control and the ways of the godly are best.
• These are the ways that will WIN in the end.
• People still respect and desire honesty and integrity.
• And ultimately, God blesses those who serve Him, even
in this life (cf. Mark 10:29-30, Matt. 6:33).
• The children of God are the ones at peace and
appreciate what they have regardless of how much it
is.
• When you study this psalm as a whole you can see that.
Who Will Inherit The Earth?
• Those who wait on the Lord (9) – patience.
• As we have noted in other studies, we need
patience.
• We need to learn to accept the blessings of the Lord
in His time.
• The meek (11) – NOT the cowardly or those who
allow everyone to walk over them because they
won’t stand up, nor is it one who is weak.
• The best example of meekness I can think of is Jesus
Himself – he was certainly not weak nor cowardly,
but His disposition was mild with most.
Who Will Inherit The Earth?
• Those blessed by Him (22) – David here identifies
whose side you need to be on.
• Whose side are you on?
• The righteous (29) … and they will dwell in it
forever – those who are right standing before God.
The Proverbs 0f Psalm 37
• The Lord laughs at the wicked (12-13)
• This does not mean that He takes pleasure in
afflicting the ungodly.
• As you study the history of Israel, you find the
withholding of His blessings and punishments
grieved Him.
• He simply wanted a nation that would reverence
and obey Him.
• That is all He ever wants.
The Lord laughs at the wicked
• That having been said, it does not matter what the
wicked does – God can and will bring it to nothing
at His whim.
• He is in control – 2 Peter 3:5-7.
• AND, the ultimate “last say” will come when all men
appear before Him to give account for their lives – 2
Corinthians 5:10-11.
• Consider where the rich man (cf. The rich man and
Lazarus) ended up – Luke 16:1925.
The Lord laughs at the wicked
• Lesson for us – Remember (from above points) we
should NEVER rejoice in the calamity of others,
even the wicked.
• Let God take care of the vengeance (remember
Rom. 12:17-19)
The Proverbs Of Psalm 37
• A little that the righteous has is better than the
riches of the wicked (16)
• A key to getting through this life without it getting
to you is contentment.
• 1 Timothy 6:6 tells us that godliness with
contentment is great gain.
Little vs. Riches
• A little that the righteous has is better than the
riches of the wicked (16)
• Ecclesiastes 4:6 notes that it is better to have a little
“with quietness” than both hands full “with toil and
grasping for the wind.”
• Note also Ecclesiastes 5:10-15, then 18-20
• So, which way is better?
The Proverbs of Psalm 37
• The steps of a good man are ordered by the
Lord (23)
• This does not mean that God takes over and we
have no control.
• That would violate free-will and personal
accountability.
• It means that the good man considers what the
Lord has to say BEFORE he acts.
• He studies and keeps His word.
Steps Ordered By God
• The steps of a good man are ordered by the
Lord (23)
• Psalm 1:1-2 – blessed is he who walks not in the
path of the ungodly, but his delight is in the law of
the Lord.
• Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.”
The Proverbs Of Psalm 37
• What David had seen (25) – the righteous not
forsaken
• As a Christian, you may have to do without much in
this life.
• In fact, serving God may mean actually losing much of
what you own in this life.
• That is what Christians did in the first century – some
lost it all.
• And even before that – the godly, in Israel often
suffered at the hands of corrupt leaders and the filthy
(ungodly) rich.
Righteous Not Forsaken
• But, we can make it through whatever comes our
way, because God is with us and has promised us
that He will take care of us.
• The context of Matthew 6:33.
• You can also consider the example of Christians in
the first century taking care of each other.
• That was the intent of benevolence where the
church is involved.
Parables Of Psalm 37
• Mark the blameless man and observe the
upright (37)
• Just a reminder.
• How often do we notice the ungodly and point out
their faults but fail to recognize the good and right
of others?
• We need to constantly remind ourselves that we
need to note those walking godly.
Observe The Upright
• Philippians 3:17, “Brethren, join in following my
example and note those who so walk, as you have
us for a pattern.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, “recognize those who
labor among you and over you in the Lord and
admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in
love for their work’s sake.”
Conclusion
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There is a reason we are not to fret about life's
circumstances.
The godly and meek will be blessed by God.
So much more we could learn from this Psalm.
This psalm is a psalm of clear contrast, leading to a
question we need to ask ourselves often:
• Whose side are you on?