Psalm 37

I've been reading psalm 37, written by King David around the time that his son Solomon was anointed as the succeeding king over Israel. One thing that I want to point out is the use of the word fret. In English, the general meaning that we are familiar with is this one: To feel or express worry, annoyance, discontent, or the like. But the Hebrew that David uses is different. The word that David means is literally 'to glow or to get warm,' figuratively 'to blaze up in anger.' Since this psalm reads more like a proverb, the first thing that I did with this psalm was to break it down into different topics. The bold is what I originally journaled and the different font is what I added later.

 

Characteristics and/or actions of the wicked:

Evil men do wrong, succeed in their ways, carry out their wicked schemes, plot against the righteous, gnash their teeth against the righteous, draw the word and bend the bow, slay those whose ways are upright. The wicked borrow and do not replay, lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives.

 

It is important for those who profess to follow God to remember "bad company corrupts good character." Who we hang out with reflects a lot on our lifestyle as well as influences it. But if we are to do that then we need to be discerning about who the wicked really are. If you wish to do more research on the wicked, click HERE. But there are several characteristics of the wicked found on the link above: The affections of the wicked are not sincerely set on God and are unnatural and perverted. The wicked seek happiness in amusements and worldly pleasures and abstinence from these things seems strange to them. But most important thing for us to remember is that the wicked forget God and are averse to glorifying Him. If we really want to grow closer to God, then we need to surround ourselves by people whose desire is the same. It is also important to examine ourselves and ask if any of those things apply to us. My answer is that they apply to me. The first thing that I think about in the morning is not the Lord. It is usually how much time I have to shower and eat breakfast before I have to be somewhere. I also allow things like homework and web browsing to get in the way of following God closely.

 

Characteristics and/or actions of the righteous:

 

Meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace, will not wither in times of disaster, in days of famine, they will enjoy plenty, give generously, may stumble but will not fall, righteous never shaken or children begging bread, always generous and lending freely, their children will be blessed, righteous will be protected forever, will inherit the land and dwell in it forever, utters wisdom from his mouth, tongue speaks what is just, feet don't slip.

 

Surefooted. Wise. Confident. Knowing the future. Trusting in the Lord. Being fruitful and productive in times of famine. To read more about it, click HERE.

 

Consequences of being wicked:

 

Whither like the grass, die like green plants, will be cut off, pierce their own hearts with their own swords, bows will be broken, will perish, vanish like smoke in the fields, offspring will be cut off, pass away and be no more, be destroyed, future will be cut off.

 

This goes along with choosing our company. As God says, "Man looks at the outside appearance, but I look at the heart." And so should we if we are to be like God. Things that are pretty on the outside, like flowers and green stems, are only going to whither. If we make friends with people that are pretty and attractive and always make sure they have a smile on their face and the right makeup and clothes, are into the same things we are in and think like us, then when winter comes, all those flowers and lush plants that you called your friends will whither and die, and the only things left standing are the ugly barren trees that we may have initially rejected. But they will be around next season to again offer their shelter and shade.

 

Rewards for the righteous

 

Enjoy safe pasture, given the desires of their heart, their righteousness will be made to shine like the dawn, the justice of their cause will shine like the noonday sun, inherit the land, enjoy great peace, inheritance endure forever, dwell in land forever, inherit the land and dwell in it forever, will not be left to their on power or condemned when brought to trial, helped, delivered, and saved.

 

The major emphasis here is on remaining in the land. If we choose to be planted by trees near a stream of water, then we will always remain in the land even when the people around us spiritually whither and die. We will always be green, always produce fruit, always be nourished as long as we are willing to relocate to the place where God chooses for us to be (not necessarily a physical place) and remain planted there; not turning with envy to those around us who may seem to have it all.

 

What does David tell us to do?

 

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong. Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight ourselves in the Lord and commit our way to the Lord, trust in him. Be still before the Lord. Do not fret when men succeed in their ways. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath. Do not fret. Turn from evil and do good, wait for the Lord and keep his way. Consider the blameless, observe the upright.

 

David is telling us not to blaze up in anger when people around us appear to be successful when they are not doing right. He simply advises us to wait for the Lord and trust in him.
We are also to observe those around us who are doing right and model ourselves after them. Not to the point of idolatry, but we can be encouraged by those who are growing spiritually or can be looked to as spiritual leaders for encouragement and direction. I pray that my life may be this to other people.

 

What does this mean for us?

 

To summarize in one sentence, David says: Turn away from the evil world and look toward heaven and be still before the Lord. If we do this, then all the wonderful blessings that David talks about will be bestowed upon us. God loves you and wants to bless you with peace and joy and direction, but our sinfulness often times walls him off. What we put into our minds, whether it be TV or music has a profound effect on our attitude, what company we keep, and what are thoughts are on. Music is the only thing that has the power to implant its message into our brains no matter what it is, and there isn't anything we can do about it except not to listen to it next time. It is important to remember this.

 

Lord, help me to do this. Help me to commit my ways to you and to trust in you. Amen.