Bread From Heaven

Psalms 37 study

Dear God,
Reveal to us what you want us to see in your word today. Everything happens for a reason. You are so good to us even during trying times. Thank you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Psalms 37 is a great example of what it means for us to be meek and God's meekness towards us. I will put in bold the phrases that have to do with our behavior and the phrases that have to do with God's character and outcomes from the result of being meek, I will Underline.

Psalms 37

1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.
18 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Here are the things we are supposed to do on our end according to this chapter in Psalms. All of these can be tied back to meekness in some way.

-Fret not.
-Don’t be envious.
-Trust in the Lord.
-Do Good.
-Be delighted in the Lord.
-Commit your way unto the Lord.
-Rest in the Lord.
-Wait Patiently.
-Cease from Anger.
-Forsake wrath.
-Don’t do anything evil.
-Wait upon God.
-Diligently consider the place of the wicked.
-Show mercy.
-Give.
-Depart from evil.
-Dwell forever.
-Speak wisely.
-Talk of sound judgement.
-Keep God's law in your heart.
-Keep God's way.
-Mark the perfect man. (Take notice of him.)
-Behold the upright.

These are the benefits if we do our part.

-will dwell in the land
-will inherit the earth (notice this phrase is repeated in this chapter)
-will be fed
-will have the desires of your heart
-will have your way brought to pass
-will have your righteousness and judgement brought forth
-will be upheld by the Lord
-will have an inheritance forever
-will have their life known and will be known by God
-will not be ashamed in evil times
-will be satisfied in famine
-will be greatly blessed
-will have their steps ordered by the Lord
-will have the Lord be delighted in your way
-will not be completely cast down
-will be upheld by the Lord when he falls
-will not be forsaken
-will not have his children begging for bread
-will have God's mercy
-will have God lend to him
-will have God bless his children
-will be preserved forever
-will be exalted by God
-will have peace in the end
-will have Salvation of the Lord
-will have God's strength in the time of trouble
-will have the Lord's help
-will be delivered

Here is what God does.

-gives his children their desires
-brings your way to pass when you are committed to him
-brings righteousness and judgement
-cuts off evildoers
-laughs at the wicked
-knows the wicked’s day is coming
-causes the wicked's plots to fail
-breaks the arm of the wicked
-upholds the righteous
-knows the days of the upright.
-gives the upright an eternal inheritance
-satisfies the righteous
-consumes the wicked with his enemies
-blesses the righteous
-curses the wicked
-keeps your steps from sliding when you trust in him
-delivers the righteous from the wicked
-does not condemn the righteous
-exalts the righteous
-lets the righteous see the wicked cut off
-gives peace to the upright and perfect man
-destroys the wicked
-cuts off the wicked
-saves the righteous
-gives the righteous his strength
-helps the righteous
-delivers the righteous

Verse by verse
The links associated with www.bibleref.com are an online commentary. I found it to be very helpful in this study.

1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

https://www.godtube.com/bible/psalms/37-1

Fret means to worry or show extreme anxiety. Envious means to be jealous or covet. So what verse one is saying is to not even worry yourself about what the evil people are doing. Don't get jealous of them if they seem to be prospering in what they are doing. They might get great wealth through crime or they may be rich or they may seem like they have it all together. But in the end, God sees them.

The wicked and evildoers will not get away with their evil and wickedness. Verse two tells us they will be cut off like grass or wither like a green plant. They won't last. Their success and prosperity is only temporary.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Basically, when we trust in the Lord and we do what is right, God will help us to dwell in safety. He also meets our needs.

Faith produces good works.
Matthew 5:16 ▼

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

James 2:14-17 ▼

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Matthew 6:33 ▼

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

What does it mean to delight yourself in the Lord?
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/delight+in
To delight in someone or something is to take great pleasure or joy in it.

God wants us to enjoy him. He wants us to enjoy our time with him in prayer and reading his word. He wants us to enjoy living constantly in his presence. He wants to have an excellent and delightful/pleasant relationship with you on both ends, his and yours. It is also his great pleasure to spend time with you. He desires to give you what you want.
Psalms 105:3-4 ▼

3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

Isaiah 55:6 ▼

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

James 4:8 ▼

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Think about it. When you have a great relationship with someone rather it be a significant other, friend, or family member, if you are able to give them what they want for a gift, that is exactly what you do. You want them to be happy because they make you happy.
Psalms 16:11 ▼

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalms 36:7-10 ▼

7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/psalms/37-5.htm

Most of the commentary notes and the note in my personal study Bible says to commit your way to the Lord means to roll your cares and concerns upon him.
Matthew 6:8; 25 ▼

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

1 Peter 5:7 ▼

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

We don't have to be anxious. We can trust the Lord to work our problems out. He has our backs. We give our burdens to God and he carries them for us just like the gentleman that he is.
Philippians 4:6-7 ▼

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-6.html
Righteousness is associated with light. So God will make our righteousness/innocence to shine like a light. He will make it known to those around you so he will receive glory. He glorifies you so he can be glorified so to speak.

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Psalms 46:10 ▼

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Again we are told not to worry about the wicked prospering or people who do evil works. We are told to wait patiently on the Lord. Be still and know he is God. Watch. He will take vengeance on everyone who does wickedness. Just relax. He has got it all under control. This verse is positioned right after the promise that he will reveal our innocence and our righteousness.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.Wrath is extreme anger. So stop anger in its tracks before it develops into wrath. Avoid anger like the plague if possible. Man’s anger does not bring about God's righteousness.
James 1:20 ▼

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Fret not thyself, the phrase, can also mean to not become annoyed or heated. I believe the last part of this is saying let God deal with other people's evil. Let him take vengeance. Don't repay evil with evil.
Roman 12:17-21 ▼

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

God will punish the wicked. He will give to every man according to his works.
Romans 2:5-7 ▼

5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

Those that wait on the Lord has to do with waiting in expectation. It is waiting on God to fulfill his promises and do what he says he will do.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-10.html
The wicked shall cease to exist. Even their soul will be destroyed in Hell. He won't exist and therefore can not be found.

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

Matthew 5:5, one of the beatitudes in the sermon on the mount is based upon this verse. “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

The meek are humble, gentle, afflicted, submissive, patient, good, quiet, mild, and lowly. They will receive an eternal inheritance from the Lord.

12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

Our Sovereign Lord will despise any attempts of the wicked as they attempt to go against him or the righteous because it is foolishness and he knows their end.
Psalms 2:4-5 ▼

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Proverbs 1:24-33 ▼

24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord:
30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-14.html
The wicked seek to slay the righteous, however all their attempts will fail. Even if they kill the body, they can not touch the righteous person’s soul. In the end, it will be the wicked who are permanently destroyed.

16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

Happiness is not found in material wealth or things.
Proverbs 16:8 ▼

Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

1 Timothy 6:6 ▼

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-17.html
The wicked have no strength. The Lord is stronger. The Lord will protect and hold up the righteous person.
Isaiah 14:27 ▼

For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

18 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-18.html
God knows what our future holds. If we trust in him and commit ourselves to doing his will, then we know we will obtain an eternal reward for our faithfulness.
Psalms 1:6 ▼

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

God knows us intimately. He cares for us intentionally. He wants us to know him the same way. He wants to walk with us hand in hand throughout our entire life. He loves us deeply.
Song: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
https://youtu.be/95_dFIChVkM

19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-19.html
They won't be disappointed in hard times.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-20.html
This is a reference to them quickly fading away. The may flourish for a little while but their end comes quick.

21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-21.html
The wicked selfishly takes from others. God blesses the believer’s faithfulness and gives them more than they need so they can give to others.

22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-22.html
The righteous look forward to eternal life and their promised reward. The wicked are cut off from these promises and fellowship with God.

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

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-23.html
The righteous man will be established by God. And God will be delighted in him.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-24.html
God will not allow the trial of the righteous to ultimately destroy them.
Proverbs 24:16 ▼

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Micah 7:8 ▼

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-25.html
God always supplies the needs of the righteous when they trust in him.
Philippians 4:19 ▼

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-26.html
A character trait of the righteous is their generosity and willingness to give.
Luke 6:38 ▼

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-27.html
We show out faith in God by doing good works. Good works glorify God.
2 Timothy 2:19 ▼

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-28.html
God loves justice and righteousness. Because of this, we can always trust him to do the right thing. He never for sakes his people.

God not only keeps an inheritance set aside for us, but he keeps us secure too. He give us his loyalty and love.
1 Peter 1:4-5 ▼

4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-29.html
This is speaking about the promised land to the Jewish people as a part of God's covenant with them.

30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-30.html
Wisdom is knowing what to do with the knowledge you have. Wisdom knows when to speak and when to keep silent. Wisdom knows when to give good advice to other people too.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-31.html
By spending time in God's Word and his law, it penetrates our heart. By keeping his law in our heart, we are able to live a righteous life without fault. As God's saving grace regenerates believers, it gives them a desire to obey by union with Jesus in the Holy Spirit.
Psalms 40:8 ▼

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Jeremiah 31:31-33 ▼

31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord:
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Ezekiel 36:27 ▼

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Titus 3:3-8 ▼

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-32.html
John 15:19 ▼

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-33.html
God will not leave the righteous in the hands of the wicked. He will prevent him from being condemned when he is accused falsely.

34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-34.html
If we wait on God to take revenge for us, he will exalt us in due time. He will allow us see him repay them for the wrongs they have committed against us.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-35.html
https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/37-35-compare.html
The wicked boast of their accomplishments and power. They think they are indestructible. They are filled with pride.

36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-36.html
The success of the wicked will come to an end. Their power is only temporary. Many will suffer the natural consequences of the sins they have committed.
Proverbs 14:32 ▼

The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

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

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-37.html
Take notice of the upright person. You will notice he has peace in the end.

38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-38.html
Again we are told that the wicked will be cut off. Their end is destruction.
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Great_Salvation/21

39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

https://www.quotescosmos.com/bible/bible-verses/Psalm-37-39.html
God is the one who protects his faithful people. He is always their for them in their time of trouble.
https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-39.html

40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/37/Psalm-37-40.html
God is always faithful, especially to those who follow him. We have a very present help in any and all trouble.
Psalms 46:1 ▼

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Jesus is my permanent anchor!