The Bible Says
Psalm 37:23-26 Meaning

Psalm 37:23-26 says: The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way (v. 23). Here, the psalmist highlights the comforting truth that God is intimately involved in the daily paths of those who look to Him. Although King David, who ruled from around 1010 to 970 BC, penned this psalm, these words apply across centuries, illustrating God’s ongoing care and guidance for those who seek to walk in righteousness. A person’s choices and direction can be safely entrusted to the LORD, because He not only oversees those paths but finds joy in seeing His people follow His guidance.

This idea that the LORD “establishes” steps does not mean He compels people apart from their free will. Instead, it emphasizes how He supports and blesses those who are devoted to serving Him. When believers yield their decisions to His leading, they can move forward with confidence, trusting that His divine hand brings purpose, even in the uncertainties of life. This active work of God in the life of the believer underscores both divine sovereignty and human choice working in harmony.

In the New Testament, the promise of God’s involvement in a believer’s life remains a constant theme-He who calls believers to righteousness also empowers them to live it out (Philippians 1:6). Like the psalmist, all those who place their hope in the LORD can rest, knowing they are part of His good plan, established and guided by His loving hand.

Continuing this theme, When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand (v. 24) shows that even in moments of stumbling, God’s people have the assurance of divine support. The psalmist provides a realistic view of the journey of faith: believers can trip up along the way, but the LORD does not abandon them. He comes alongside to prevent devastating collapse.

The phrase “he will not be hurled headlong” describes a fall without total destruction. It suggests that God’s helping hand restrains what could otherwise be a disastrous outcome. Although failures can be painful, they often serve as part of a refining process leading to deeper dependence on the LORD. In times of weakness or defeat, relying on God’s steadying grasp can bring strength and renewed resolve.

This picture foreshadows the security promised in the New Testament for those who trust Christ. Just as the psalmist experienced divine upholding, the followers of Jesus are assured that God will not allow ultimate harm to come to them (John 10:28-29). In life’s valley moments, the comfort of God’s sustaining hand is a marker of His unwavering care.

With personal reflection, King David exclaims, I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread (v. 25). As a seasoned king and worshiper, David had walked through battles, betrayals, and triumphs, yet he testifies to God’s faithful provision over a lifetime. Although he lived a thousand years before the birth of Jesus, his testimony endures as a witness to the LORD’s enduring loyalty toward His children.

This statement should not be taken to mean that the righteous never experience hardship or never go hungry. Instead, it underscores how God ultimately sustains His people. From David’s vantage point, he perceived that the faithful are not abandoned by the LORD, and that their families are not left destitute. These words also highlight the communal nature of faith in ancient Israel, where extended families and tribes looked out for one another under God’s covenant blessing.

The core message remains timeless: believers who seek righteousness can trust that the LORD will not cast them aside. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise is found in Jesus, who teaches His followers not to worry about what they will eat or drink, for their heavenly Father knows exactly what they need (Matthew 6:31-33). David’s words point forward to that confidence in God’s abiding care.

Finally, All day long he is gracious and lends, And his descendants are a blessing (v. 26) describes how the life of a faithful follower of God overflows into generosity. King David observed that the righteous, rather than hoarding resources, expand their blessing to others. This generosity reflects God’s own character, since He is the supplier of every need. Those who understand that God alone is the true provider are free to give generously.

In turn, their descendants become a blessing, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of a life lived in alignment with God’s ways. This portrayal envisions not only material provision but also spiritual and moral influence that shapes future generations. Generosity and kindness leave a lasting heritage of righteousness, encouraging others toward faithfulness.

Although David was writing specifically to the people of Israel, the principle transcends national boundaries. Believers on every continent, throughout the centuries, continue to discover that trusting God leads to a heart open to the needs of others. Jesus Himself instructed His followers to give freely as they have freely received (Matthew 10:8), echoing this same message of openhanded charity.