Psalm 37:21-24 The Proverbs of the Psalms

Psalm 37 feels like a chapter out of the Book of Proverbs. This is another alphabetical psalm, with each section (roughly a verse or two in our modern Bibles) beginning with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. And, though each section may not relate to those around it, each one contains some proverbs which can help our growth in the Lord. Perhaps you’ll see what I mean in today’s verses.

Please read Psalm 37:21-24.

When studying Hebrew proverbs, we must keep in mind that they are not promises from God, but rather general observations of how things usually happen. Usually, you can train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is older he will not depart from it (22:6), but occasionally a child can grow up in a Christian home with parents who love the Lord, and still want nothing to do with God. Usually, a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (15:1), but occasionally a soft answer can cause someone to get more angry. Usually, he who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord (18:22), but occasionally God calls someone to a life of singleness to find favor from the Lord. Usually the rich rule over the poor and the borrower is the slave of the lender (22:7), but occasionally someone who borrows will invest well and end up buying the bank from which they borrowed.

Proverbs are not promises. Proverbs are observations from one of the wisest men who ever lived about how God usually works in His Providence. The proverbs of David in psalm 37 are no different.

Usually the wicked borrows but does not pay back. If you’ve ever known someone who was addicted to drugs, then you can understand this sentiment. They will “borrow” from you time and again, spend it on their habit, and then ask for more without ever paying you back. Occasionally, you will get your money back, but not usually.

Now, it’s not always the case that someone asks for money for evil purposes. Sometimes a family member or friend will ask to borrow something for a good reason. The best advice I’ve been given when it comes to this scenario is “never loan someone money, but be willing to give.” If someone asks for a loan, and, after doing our due diligence through prayer and investigation, we’ve determined that God wants them to have this money, then we should give it to them with no expectation of return. Why? Because, “the righteous is generous and gives.”

Occasionally, a righteous person can be stingy with their money, but that person is probably still growing in their walk with the Lord. Usually, those made righteous by the blood of Christ understand that we are called to be witnesses to the abundant riches of Christ Jesus. Since He has given us so much more than we could ever hope for, and still has so much more to give, we are willing to give to those who ask, in Jesus’ name. Perhaps, by giving a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name, or by giving a “loan” that we don’t expect to be paid back, we will be able to meet the need of someone in such a way that they will want to know more about Jesus.

But, you may object, “I’m saving that money up for a rainy day. It’s my safety net in case something catastrophic happens.” To answer that, I would direct your attention to Psalm 37:23-24. When we delight ourselves in God’s way and follow Him in obedience, when we give to those in need without any expectation of an earthly return on our investment, we are trusting in the Lord and storing up treasures in heaven. Even if disaster strikes and we lose everything, we will not be left in ruin, “for the Lord upholds” our hand. Usually this is true in this life, but ocassionally God will allow us to suffer in this life, even while following Him. Even if that's the case, our hope is in heaven, where rust and moths cannot destroy.