Lecture Notes: Psalm 37:21-40 (NIV)

Key Themes & Insights

Contrast Between the Wicked and the Righteous

• The Wicked

  • Borrow without repaying (v. 21)
  • Ultimately destroyed (v. 22)
  • Lie in wait for the righteous with harmful intent (v. 32)
  • No future for the wicked, they will perish (v. 38)

• The Righteous

  • Give generously and lend freely (v. 21, 26)
  • Will inherit the land (v. 22, 29)
  • Steps are firm, Lord upholds them (v. 23-24)
  • Never forsaken, children do not beg for bread (v. 25)
  • Mouths utter wisdom, hearts hold the law of God (v. 30-31)
  • Not left in the power of the wicked (v. 33)
  • Salvation is from the Lord; He is their stronghold (v. 39-40)

God's Role

• Blessings and Support

  • God blesses and upholds the righteous (v. 22, 24)
  • Loves the just and does not forsake the faithful (v. 28)
  • Protects and delivers the righteous from the wicked (v. 33, 40)

• Judgment of the Wicked

  • Those cursed by God will be destroyed (v. 22)
  • Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed, and their offspring will perish (v. 28)
  • Eventually disappear and cannot be found (v. 36)

Advice and Encouragement

• Turn from evil and do good for eternal dwelling (v. 27)
• Hope in the Lord and keep His way for exaltation (v. 34)
• Observe the upright and blameless; peace awaits them (v. 37)

Concluding Thoughts

• Encouragement for the righteous to remain steadfast in their faith and practice of good deeds.
• Assurance that God is a refuge and provider for those who take refuge in Him, contrasting with the destruction awaiting the wicked.