For the arms of the wicked shall be broken (scrap. Psalms 10:15 ). The wicked shall be disabled from doing more mischief. If not slain outright, they shall return from the combats that they have provoked with shattered weapons ( Psalms 37:15 ) and damaged persons. But the Lord up-holdeth the righteous. Their adversaries in the encounters. read more
A little that a righteous man hath - literally, “Good is a little to the righteous, more than,” etc. Our translation, however, has expressed the sense with sufficient accuracy. There are two things implied here:(a) that it happens not unfrequently that the righteous have little of the wealth of this world; and(b) that this little is to them of more real value, accompanied, as it is, with higher blessings, than the more abundant wealth which the wicked often possess.It is better to have but... read more
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken - See the notes at Psalms 10:15. The “arm” is the instrument by which we accomplish a purpose; and the meaning here is, that that will be broken on which the wicked rely, or, in other words, that their plans will fail, and that they will be disappointed - as a man is rendered helpless whose arms are broken. Compare the notes at Job 38:15.But the Lord upholdeth the righteous - The Lord will sustain and strengthen him. While the plans of the wicked will... read more
Psalms 37:16-17. Is better than the riches of many wicked Because he hath it with many great and glorious advantages; with God’s favour and blessing, with great serenity and satisfaction of his own mind, which is infinitely more desirable and comfortable than all earthly possessions, with the consolations of God’s Spirit, and the assurance of everlasting felicity: while wicked men’s riches are loaded with many encumbrances; with the wrath and curse of God; the torment of their own... read more
Psalms 37:0 Opposite destiniesThis psalm is an acrostic and a wisdom poem. (Concerning acrostics see notes on Psalms 9:0 and 10. Concerning wisdom literature see introductory notes to Job.) Other wisdom poems are found in Psalms 10:14, 19, 49, 73 and 112.On seeing how wicked people prosper, believers may be tempted to envy them or, worse still, to doubt God’s goodness. The reminder given in this psalm is that no one should judge by outward appearances. The prosperity of worthless people will be... read more
the righteous. (Plural.) read more
THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED CONTRASTED"Better is a little that the righteous hathThan the abundance of many wicked.For the arms of the wicked shall be broken;But Jehovah upholdeth the righteous.Jehovah knoweth the days of the perfect;And the days of their inheritance shall be forever.They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil;And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.But the wicked shall perish,And the enemies of Jehovah shall be as the fat of lambs.They shall consume; in smoke... read more
16. riches—literally, "noise and tumult," as incidental to much wealth (compare :-). Thus the contrast with the "little" of one man is more vivid. read more
17. Even the members of the body needed to hold weapons are destroyed. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 37:16
A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked (comp. Proverbs 15:16 ; Proverbs 16:8 ). read more