John Calvin Commentary Psalms 37:23

"A man`s goings are established of Jehovah; And he delighteth in his way." — Psalms 37:23 (ASV)

The footsteps of a man are directed by Jehovah. Some connect these two ideas: first, that the footsteps of the godly are ordered by the grace of God, since humans do not by their own strength follow what is just and right, but only insofar as the Spirit of God directs them; and consequently, the second idea follows, namely, that God favors and approves what is his own.

But David simply continues his commendation of the divine blessing towards the faithful, for whom this is especially worthy of remembrance: that whatever they undertake always has a favorable and happy result. At the same time, the reason why God crowns with prosperity and success all our efforts throughout the course of our life should be observed, namely, that we attempt nothing that is not pleasing to him.

For I consider the conjunction and, in the second clause of the verse, to be used instead of the causal particle because, and interpret the whole verse in this way: Because the way of the godly is acceptable to God, he directs their footsteps to a happy outcome. The meaning is this: since God sees that the faithful act conscientiously and do not turn aside from the way which he has appointed, he blesses their efforts.

And certainly, since the prophet speaks generally—and yet it is certain that only the faithful are spoken of here—the second clause must necessarily be considered as an explanation. Accordingly, the term way denotes their manner and course of living, as if he had said that the godly have no other aim but to frame their lives according to the will of God and to obey what he commands. The term footsteps I consider as referring to external success.