John Calvin Commentary Psalms 37:9

"For evil-doers shall be cut off; But those that wait for Jehovah, they shall inherit the land." — Psalms 37:9 (ASV)

For the wicked shall be cut off. It is not without reason that he repeatedly impresses upon us the same thing: namely, that the happiness and prosperity which the ungodly enjoy is only a mask or phantom. For its initial appearance so dazzles our senses that we are unable to properly estimate its outcome. It is only in light of this outcome that we should judge the value of everything that came before.

But the contrast between the two clauses of the verse should be observed. First, when he says that the wicked shall be cut off, he implies that they will flourish, fresh and green, until the time of their destruction arrives. Secondly, by allotting the earth to the godly, saying, They shall inherit the earth, he means that they will live in such a way that God’s blessing will follow them, even to the grave.

Now, as I have already said, the present condition of people should be evaluated by the state in which it will end. From the term by which he distinguishes the children of God, we learn that they are tested by a severe conflict for the trial of their faith. For he speaks of them, not as righteous or godly, but as those who wait upon the Lord. What purpose would this waiting serve, unless they groaned under the burden of the cross?

Moreover, the possession of the earth which He promises to the children of God is not always experienced by them, because it is the Lord’s will that they should live as strangers and pilgrims in it. He does not permit them to have any permanent home in it, but rather tests them with frequent troubles, so that they may desire with greater eagerness the everlasting dwelling-place of heaven.

The flesh is always seeking to build its nest forever here. If we were not tossed to and fro and not allowed to rest, we would eventually forget heaven and the everlasting inheritance. Yet, in the midst of this restlessness, the possession of the earth David here speaks of is not taken away from the children of God. For they know with complete certainty that they are the rightful heirs of the world.

Therefore, they eat their bread with a quiet conscience. Although they experience lack, God still provides for their necessities at the proper time. Finally, although the ungodly work to bring about their destruction and consider them unworthy to live on the earth, God still extends His hand and protects them. Indeed, He so sustains them by His power that they live more securely in a state of exile than the wicked do in the nests to which they cling.

Thus, the blessing David speaks of is partly secret and hidden, because our reason is so dull that we cannot comprehend what it means to possess the earth. Yet the faithful truly feel and understand that this promise is not made to them in vain. Since they have anchored their faith in God, they live their lives each day in peace, while God makes it clear in their experience that the shadow of His hand is enough to protect them.