“The way of the wicked” is a recurring theme in the psalms of David, and Psalm 37 addresses it with remarkable clarity and pastoral wisdom. This psalm speaks directly about the path of the evil man, a path marked by darkness, pride, and self-will. The wicked man follows whatever his own thoughts dictate, rejecting instruction and correction, because the one who ultimately guides him is the evil one. His life is not governed by the fear of the Lord, but by selfish desire and rebellion against God.
Psalm 37 is written as a wisdom psalm, intended to instruct and comfort the righteous who are troubled by the apparent success of the wicked. David understands the human tendency to become frustrated or discouraged when evildoers seem to prosper. Therefore, he begins the chapter with words of encouragement, reminding the faithful not to lose perspective or allow envy to take root in their hearts.
At the very beginning of the chapter, David exhorts the righteous with these powerful words: “Do not be impatient because of evildoers, nor be envious of those who do iniquity; for like grass they will soon be cut down, and like green grass they will wither.” With this imagery, David emphasizes the temporary nature of the wicked man’s success. Just as grass looks vibrant for a short time but quickly dries up, so the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and fragile.
This truth is essential for believers to grasp. When we focus only on what we see in the present moment, we may wrongly conclude that evil goes unpunished and righteousness unrewarded. David lifts our eyes beyond the immediate to show us God’s long-term justice. The apparent stability of the wicked is an illusion; their end is already determined.
In contrast, the psalm repeatedly highlights the security and future of the righteous. Those who trust in the Lord, delight in Him, and commit their way to Him are promised inheritance, peace, and blessing. Their reward is not always immediate, but it is sure and enduring.
In verse 22 of chapter 37, David summarizes this contrast with striking clarity, speaking about the blessings reserved for the righteous and the tragic end of the wicked:
For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
Psalm 37:22
This verse echoes a central biblical principle: blessing and inheritance come from God, not from human schemes. To inherit the earth does not merely mean material possession, but security, stability, and favor under God’s rule. Those whom God blesses enjoy a future grounded in His promises, while those who reject Him face separation and loss.
David reinforces this contrast with practical examples. In verse 21, he explains that the wicked borrows and does not repay, revealing a lack of integrity and responsibility. The righteous, on the other hand, gives generously and helps others, showing mercy and compassion. This difference exposes the heart. The wicked take advantage of others for personal gain, while the righteous reflect God’s character through generosity.
These behaviors are not incidental; they are the fruit of the path each person walks. A heart aligned with God produces mercy, faithfulness, and love. A heart ruled by evil produces exploitation, dishonesty, and selfish ambition. David wants the reader to see that righteousness and wickedness are not merely labels, but ways of life with very different outcomes.
Furthermore, we can observe that the way of the wicked man is rooted in the desire to do evil freely, without restraint or accountability. He walks confidently in darkness, believing he can act without consequence. His life revolves around acquiring benefits by any means necessary, even if it requires harming others or causing them to stumble.
This false sense of freedom is one of the great deceptions of sin. The wicked man believes he is free, but in reality he is enslaved to his own desires and guided by forces that lead to destruction. Scripture consistently teaches that true freedom is found in obedience to God, not in rebellion against Him.
That is why Psalm 37 repeatedly affirms that every wicked man will ultimately be destroyed. This destruction is not arbitrary; it is the natural and just outcome of a life lived in opposition to God. The paths of the wicked are full of darkness, and without light, their feet inevitably slip. They stumble because they refuse the guidance of the Lord.
David does not write these words to instill fear alone, but to offer reassurance to the faithful. The righteous do not need to fight for vindication through evil means or envy the success of the ungodly. God Himself will bring justice. Waiting on the Lord is not weakness; it is trust.
For those who choose to do good rather than evil, the psalm offers strong hope. If you walk in righteousness, trust in the Lord, and commit your way to Him, you will inherit the earth and be filled with blessings. This inheritance includes peace of heart, divine provision, and the assurance that God is with you.
Psalm 37 teaches us that the apparent triumph of evil is temporary, but the reward of righteousness is lasting. The wicked may flourish briefly, but their end is certain. The righteous may suffer for a season, but their future is secure in God’s hands.
Therefore, David calls the believer to patience and faith. Do not be impatient because of evildoers. Do not measure success by appearances. Instead, anchor your hope in the promises of God, knowing that He governs all things with justice and wisdom.
If you are one of those who choose to do good, to walk in integrity, and to trust in the Lord, then take heart. Your labor is not in vain. You will inherit the earth, not because of your own merit, but because of God’s blessing. Walk forward with confidence, for the Lord upholds the righteous and will never forsake those who seek Him.
Blessed are those who do not follow the way of the wicked, but delight in the law of the Lord. Their path leads to life, peace, and lasting blessing, while the way of the wicked fades into darkness and destruction.