Chapter Summary

The riddle of the prosperity of the wicked and the affliction of the righteous.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 37

1. What is the main theme of what David is aiming to get across in this chapter? How does this give us hope?
2. Psalm 37:3, "Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness."(ESV) The Greek word for "befriend" is "rāʿâ". Some other uses of the word in Scripture involve that of cultivating, feeding, nourishing, shepherding, and companionship. How does going deeper with this term help us better understand the passage? Knowing this, what would you say the reader is being encouraged to do?
3. Psalm 37:4,23, "(4)Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart…(23)The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way." (ESV) How can verse 23 serve as a foundation for verse 4? What happens to the desires of our heart when we delight in The Lord’s way?
4. What does this chapter teach us about being still before The Lord? Sometimes stillness can be hard, especially in the midst of modern day expectations. How can you practice stillness in your life today?
5. What does this chapter teach us about the fleeting life of the wicked? How can reminding ourselves and others of this bring encouragement and hope?
6. Psalm 37:16, "Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked." (ESV) What is being communicated here? What does this passage teach you about walking with God?
7. How does this chapter equate God’s law with justice? How can this teach us to use God’s Word as the standard for what is right and just in the world?
8. In verse 25 David declares that he has never seen The Lord forsake His people. Knowing what David has been through, how does this teach us that hardships do not mean we are forsaken? How have we see God bring deliverance to David’s life and house?
9. What does this chapter teach us about waiting on The Lord? How do you wait on The Lord? What is He having you wait on in this season?
10. Psalm 37:37, "Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace." (ESV) What is the reader being invited into in this verse? While surrounded by wickedness, David is choosing to cling to the hope of peace. Righteous men and women who walk in peace often go unnoticed because their reward is not in the praise of man, but in the peace they walk in. How can you affirm and encourage the righteous men or women in your life this week?

Key Words/Phrase

Evil doers, v. 1, and righteous, v. 37.

Characters

God, David.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 16, 23, 24.