Psalm 37:32

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 37:21-33

These verses are much to the same purport with the Ps. 37:1-20 of this psalm, for it is a subject worthy to be dwelt upon. Observe here, I. What is required of us as the way to our happiness, which we may learn both from the characters here laid down and from the directions here given. If we would be blessed of God, 1. We must make conscience of giving every body his own; for the wicked borrows and pays not again, Ps. 37:21. It is the first thing which the Lord our God requires of us, that we... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 37:32

The wicked watcheth the righteous ,.... All his motions and steps, his works and actions; he watches for his halting, and to take all opportunities and advantages against him; see Jeremiah 20:10 ; and seeketh to slay him ; murder his reputation, destroy his substance, and take away his life: some understand it of the devil, who watches the saints, observes their failings, accuses then, before the throne, and seeks to devour them, 1 Peter 5:8 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:32

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him - Similar to what is said Psalm 37:8 ; : "The wicked plotteth against the righteous." But it is added, Psalm 37:33 ; : "The Lord will not leave him in his hands;" he will confound his devices, and save his own servants. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:32

Verse 32 32.and 33.The wicked watcheth the righteous, etc. David here illustrates more plainly the nature of the possession of the earth, of which he had spoken, namely, that God preserves his own people, though they are beset with enemies round about. And hence we are again taught, that the faithful are not promised in the preceding context a quiet state of life, and one free from all trouble and distress. If so, these two statements would be contradictory: first, that the faithful possessing... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 37:1-40

The psalm is wholly didactic. It begins with exhortation, which is carried on through five stanzas to the end of Psalms 37:9 . Exhortation then gives place to calm and unimpassioned instruction, of a character resembling that which makes up the bulk of the Book of Proverbs. This tone continues to the end of verse 33, when there is a return to exhortation, but exhortation (verses 34, 37) mingled with instruction (verses 35, 36, 38-40). The whole poem is grave, quiet, equable, devoid of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 37:1-40

The good man's directory. This is a very remarkable psalm. Its theme is one throughout its entire length. Yet it is not so much drawn out consecutively as repeated proverbially. This may be partly accounted for by its alphabetical structure. £ There is no advance between the verses at the commencement and those at its close, but rather a remarkable variety of beautiful turns of expression to a thought that is the same throughout. The whole psalm may be summed up thus: "Just now, you see... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 37:1-40

Two pictures. The psalmist says, at Psalms 37:25 , "I have been young, and now am old . " We may regard him therefore as speaking in this psalm with the fulness of knowledge and the confidence of ripened wisdom. His old experience has attained to prophetic strain. Let us consider two pictures. I. THE EVILS OF ENVY . It is common. It takes its rise and works upon the lower part of our nature, blinding our minds, perverting our hearts, and stirring up all our evil passions.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 37:27-34

Goodness. We have here— I. THAT GOODNESS IS THE TRUE AIM OF LIFE . The first thing is to have the heart made good, and then all that flow from it, in word and deed, will be good also. "But such as are good men can give good things." (Milton.) II. THAT GOODNESS IS THE REAL GLORY OF LIFE . ( Psalms 37:30 , Psalms 37:31 .) We cannot hut admire "wisdom" and "judgment;" but what gives these their sweetest savour and their highest worth is the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 37:27-40

Evil-doers. Evil-doers are not truly objects of envy. The more closely we contemplate this, the more clearly do we see their baseness. But it is needful that we should be urged to this salutary duty. Again and again in this psalm is the exhortation addressed to us to consider and judge rightly, to cease from evil and learn to do well. And there are good and weighty reasons given why we should have no part with evil-doers. I. THEIR CHARACTER IS ODIOUS . II. THEIR ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 37:32

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him . Wicked men hate righteous men, as being a reproach to them, and also as being a hindrance and a danger. The righteous thwart their plans, oppose their proceedings, often frustrate their counsels. Sometimes their opposition brings the wicked man into peril, as when it takes the shape of prosecution before a court, or of help given to one who has fallen among thieves. Hence the hatred felt by the wicked towards the righteous is not... read more

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