Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 37:21-33

"The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; But the righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth. For such as are blessed of him shall inherit the land; And they that are cursed of him shall be cut off. A man`s goings are established of Jehovah; And he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For Jehovah upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread. All the day long he dealeth graciously, and lendeth; And his seed is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell for evermore. For Jehovah loveth justice, And forsaketh not his saints; They are preserved for ever: But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell therein for ever. The mouth of the righteous talketh of wisdom, And his tongue speaketh justice. The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide. The wicked watcheth the righteous, And seeketh to slay him. Jehovah will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged." — Psalms 37:21-33 (ASV)

The Lord our God requires that we act justly and give everyone what they are owed. It is a great sin for those who are able to deny the payment of just debts; it is a great misery not to be able to pay them. Whoever is truly merciful will always be merciful. We must leave our sins, learn to do well, and persist in it.

This is true religion. The blessing of God is the source, sweetness, and security of all earthly enjoyments. And if we are sure of this, we are sure not to lack anything good for us in this world. By His grace and Holy Spirit, He directs the thoughts, affections, and plans of good men. By His providence He overrules events, so as to make their path clear.

He does not always show them His way far in advance, but leads them step by step, as children are led. God will keep them from being ruined by their falls, either into sin or into trouble, though those who fall into sin will be severely hurt. Few, if any, have known the consistent believer, or his children, reduced to abject, friendless need.

God does not forsake His saints in affliction. And in heaven, only the righteous shall dwell forever; that will be their eternal dwelling place. A good man may fall into the hands of a messenger of Satan and be severely buffeted, but God will not leave him in his enemy's hands.