The Bible Says
Psalm 37:7-11 Meaning

As Psalm 37:7-11 progresses, Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. (v. 7) David, who reigned as King of Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, offers a reminder that the Lord’s plan requires patience. Even when it appears that those who do evil find temporary success, the believer is invited to remain confident in God’s ultimate authority. This patient resting means choosing to trust that the Lord sees every injustice and knows the right time to act.

The Hebrew word translated as “rest” carries the nuance of being still or quiet in the presence of the Lord. This is not passive resignation, but a posture of peaceful trust. It is reminiscent of the command in Exodus to watch the salvation of the Lord, where God calls His people to stand by and see His deliverance. While those “who prosper in their way” might appear powerful or successful, God’s people are not to let their hearts fester with anxiety or anger.

David underscores that “because of the man who carries out wicked schemes,” there is still no need for fretting. The man of faith should refrain from jealousy or revenge, knowing that God judges all actions with perfect fairness. This trust preserves the believer’s sense of peace and prevents the corrosive effects of bitterness from taking hold.

Then comes a passionate admonition: Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. (v. 8) Anger, left unchecked, can become a source of destructive behavior. David urges a conscious choice to set aside wrath, for wrath often blinds us to God’s presence and fosters more wrongdoing. Such righteous wisdom protects the believer from falling into the same traps as the evildoers.

This verse also reflects a common theme throughout Scripture, that human wrath rarely achieves the righteousness of God (James 1:20). Instead, ceasing from anger guards the heart and mind, allowing the believer to pursue justice in a manner guided by love and discernment. Anger can be a legitimate response to wrongdoing, but David urges that it not be allowed to overstep its boundary and grow into sin.

The psalmist’s counsel to “do not fret” a second time reveals the intensity of his warning. Fretting or stewing over evil can easily lead to acts that mirror the very wrongs a person hopes to resist. By abandoning wrath to God’s timing and control, the faithful can walk in peace rather than become entangled in resentment.

Continuing, David declares, For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land. (v. 9) The phrase “will be cut off” signals a decisive end to those committed to wickedness. Historically, Israel understood “the land” to be the promised territory of Canaan, a physical location where they were to live under the Lord’s blessing. Yet this verse also anticipates a greater inheritance for those who trust God-an inheritance of His favor and presence.

“Those who wait for the LORD” represent a faithful remnant that believes God’s promises stretch into the future. These individuals exhibit endurance, patiently expecting God to intervene at the perfect time. Waiting on the Lord requires a daily choice to trust Him rather than succumb to despair, even when confronted by hardship.

This inheritance language resonates with Jesus’ teaching that the meek will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). The psalm offers hope that the final outcome belongs to those who stand with God. Though evil may temporarily flourish, its apparent success cannot outlast the steadfast promises of the Almighty.

In the next verse, David reveals a hopeful perspective: Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. (v. 10) When the wicked seem to dominate every corner of society, patience in waiting for God’s justice can be challenging. Yet the promise is clear: their power is short-lived and cannot withstand the sovereign plan of the Lord.

David urges his audience to see from God’s vantage point. Though wickedness might loom large, eventually those who choose evil fade from influence and memory. This truth calls for perseverance in doing good and a confident focus on God’s eternal perspective, rather than getting lost in temporary troubles.

Spiritually, this reminder also extends to the final destiny of those who reject God. While an evildoer’s earthly success may appear impressive, the fleeting nature of life ensures that only what is built on the Lord’s foundation endures. This verse encourages God’s people to stand firm, knowing that God remains the anchor of righteousness.

David then concludes these verses with the contrast: But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity. (v. 11) The word “humble” could also be translated as “meek.” This reflects a posture of reliance on God rather than self-promotion. The world might often reward brashness and aggression, yet here the psalm teaches that humility garners blessings beyond measure.

“Inherit the land” signals both a physical and a spiritual promise. Even for modern readers who are not part of ancient Israel, the concept of God’s inheritance speaks of blessings that come from a life rooted in His ways. Humility leads to genuine contentment and fulfillment because it aligns with how humanity is designed to flourish under God’s reign.

The promise of “delight” and “abundant prosperity” is not a guarantee of worldly power or wealth. Rather, it describes a deep, lasting joy that flows from knowing God, living for His purpose, and trusting His justice. This eternal blessing stands in stark contrast to the fleeting success of the wicked.