Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 37:11

"But the meek shall inherit the land, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." — Psalms 37:11 (ASV)

But the meek shall inherit the earth—see the notes on Psalm 37:3.

Regarding the meaning of the word translated here as “meek,” see the notes on Psalm 9:12, where it is translated as “humble.” The word properly denotes those who are afflicted, distressed, or needy; then, those of humble rank in life; and finally, the mild, the gentle, the meek.

Here, the term is a general one for God’s friends—considered as meek, mild, gentle, and humble—in contrast to the wicked who are proud and haughty; perhaps also, in this connection, it is used to contrast with the wicked who prosper in life. It was probably this passage that the Savior quoted in Matthew 5:5.

And shall delight themselves—this means that:

• They shall “prefer” what is here referred to as the source of their happiness, or as what aligns with the desires of their hearts.
• They shall “find” actual delight or happiness in this.

Although not rich and prosperous in this world as the wicked often are, they will still have their own sources of enjoyment and will find happiness in what they prefer.

In the abundance of peace—this signifies abundant peace. It refers to the tranquility and quietness in which they spend their lives, in contrast to the jealousies, contentions, and strife that exist among the wicked, even when they are prosperous.

They will have peace with God (Psalms 29:11; Psalms 85:8; Psalms 119:165; Romans 5:1).

They will also have peace in their own consciences, peace in the calmness of a quiet and contented spirit, and peace with those around them, as they have no passions to gratify and no object to secure that would excite the envy or stir up the wrath of others.