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Psalms 37:16
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
With Psa 37:16 accord Pro 15:16; Pro 16:8, cf. Tobit 12:8. The ל of לצּדּיק is a periphrastic indication of the genitive (Ges. 115). המון is a noisy multitude, here used of earthly possessions. רבּים is not per attract. (cf. Psa 38:11, הם for הוּא) equivalent to רב, but the one righteous man is contrasted with many unrighteous. The arms are here named instead of the bow in Psa 37:15. He whose arms are broken can neither injure others nor help himself. Whereas Jahve does for the righteous what earthly wealth and human power cannot do: He Himself upholds them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
riches--literally, "noise and tumult," as incidental to much wealth (compare Psa 39:6). Thus the contrast with the "little" of one man is more vivid.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,.... That is, their sword arm, with which they have drawn it; and so shall not be able to strike with it; and with which they have bent their bows, but shall not be able to shoot: and this proves, what is before suggested, that their efforts shall be fruitless; or their substance shall be taken away from them, in which they trusted, and wherein their strength lay; and this confirms what had been just spoken, that the righteous man's little is better than the wicked man's much; and which is further confirmed by what follows; but the Lord upholdeth the righteous; both in a providential way, by supporting them in their being, supplying their need, preserving them from dangers, and bearing them up under all their afflictions; and in a spiritual way, by maintaining the principle of grace and life in them, by furnishing them with all spiritual blessings, by sustaining them in times of temptation, and by securing them safe from their enemies; upholding them so as that they stand in the grace of God now, and shall stand before Christ with confidence hereafter; and shall not fall here finally and totally, nor in the day of judgment. The Targum is, "the Word of the Lord upholdeth the righteous".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
37:16 Being wise with modest means is better than having prosperity and power and being wicked (Prov 15:16; 16:8, 19; 17:1; 28:6).
Psalms 37:16
Delight Yourself in the LORD
15But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. 16Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked. 17For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God's People Will Never Be Ashamed in the Time of Calamity
By David Wilkerson1.4K45:53PSA 37:16PSA 55:16ISA 50:7EZK 20:14HEB 11:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during times of fear and calamity, highlighting the need to commit to God's promises and believe in His ability to work miracles. It draws parallels from biblical stories like Moses parting the Red Sea, Daniel's friends in the fiery furnace, and Peter healing the beggar, to encourage faith in God's deliverance and protection. The message stresses the significance of standing firm in faith, committing to God's word, and expecting miracles even in the face of impossibilities.
The Great Divide
By Chuck Smith1.3K37:12PSA 37:16This sermon focuses on the great divide between those who serve God faithfully and those who have forsaken Him, as depicted in Matthew 25. It emphasizes the importance of worshiping the true God, heeding His call, and delighting in His ways to avoid eternal consequences. The message urges listeners to examine their commitment to God and choose to be His faithful servants, as the day of judgment and separation is imminent.
(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 45 Psalm 37
By Keith Simons4335:20KJV BibleRighteousness vs. WickednessTrust in GodPSA 37:1PSA 37:7PSA 37:9PSA 37:11PSA 37:16PSA 37:23PSA 37:28PSA 37:39Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 37, emphasizing David's reflections on the fate of the righteous versus the wicked. He encourages believers not to fret over evildoers, as their prosperity is temporary and will ultimately lead to their downfall. Instead, he urges trust in the Lord, highlighting that God will provide for the righteous and uphold them through trials. Simons reassures that the meek will inherit the earth and that God's judgment will prevail, ensuring justice for His people. He concludes with a reminder of God's faithfulness, stating he has never seen the righteous forsaken.
Oh How Sweet Is!
By Thomas Brooks0ContentmentRighteousnessGEN 32:10PSA 37:16PRO 30:8ECC 1:2Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound value of the little that the righteous possess compared to the vast wealth of the wicked, illustrating that true contentment and peace come from God's love and provision. He contrasts the humble satisfaction of a godly man, who finds joy in even the smallest mercies, with the endless dissatisfaction of the wicked, who are ensnared by their desires for worldly riches. Brooks highlights that the righteous man's contentment is rooted in gratitude and a deep awareness of God's care, while the pursuit of wealth leads to pain and unrest. Ultimately, he concludes that a simple meal enjoyed in peace is far more fulfilling than the riches of the wicked, which are fraught with troubles.
Psalms 127
By Chuck Smith0Trust in GodDivine ProsperityPSA 1:3PSA 37:16PSA 121:4PSA 127:1PRO 10:22MAT 6:33MAT 16:18ACT 2:47PHP 4:191TI 6:6Chuck Smith emphasizes the futility of relying on human effort to build the church and protect our cities, reminding us that without the Lord's involvement, all labor is in vain. He highlights the alarming statistics of declining faith and the dangers posed by modern threats, urging believers to trust in God's promise to build His house and keep His people safe. Smith reassures that true prosperity comes from seeking God rather than material pursuits, and that peace and success are gifts from God to those who trust in Him.
True Poverty of Spirit
By A.W. Tozer0Detachment from MaterialismPoverty of SpiritPSA 37:16MAT 5:3MAT 6:19MAT 6:33LUK 12:15PHP 4:19COL 3:21TI 6:7JAS 4:41JN 2:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes the concept of true poverty of spirit, illustrating how the human heart is ensnared by a fierce desire for material possessions, which distracts from a genuine relationship with God. He argues that the pronouns 'my' and 'mine' reveal the deep-rooted nature of humanity's fallen state, where things have become more important than God Himself. Tozer describes the blessed individuals who are 'poor in spirit' as those who have renounced their attachment to material possessions, achieving a state of freedom that allows them to truly possess the Kingdom of Heaven. He calls for a heartfelt prayer to God, asking for the removal of these attachments so that God may dwell within without competition. Ultimately, Tozer highlights that true fulfillment comes from God alone, not from the things we cling to.
The Perils of Possessions
By John Henry Jowett0PSA 37:16PRO 11:28MAT 6:241TI 6:10JAS 5:1John Henry Jowett preaches about the divisive nature of wealth, highlighting how riches can lead to alienation within families and the awakening of hidden vices. Success often breeds selfishness, envy, jealousy, and other negative traits, increasing temptations and challenges. Despite the dangers of prosperity, God can protect us from its harmful effects, as seen in the example of Abram who remained unscathed and close to God even as his wealth grew.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
With Psa 37:16 accord Pro 15:16; Pro 16:8, cf. Tobit 12:8. The ל of לצּדּיק is a periphrastic indication of the genitive (Ges. 115). המון is a noisy multitude, here used of earthly possessions. רבּים is not per attract. (cf. Psa 38:11, הם for הוּא) equivalent to רב, but the one righteous man is contrasted with many unrighteous. The arms are here named instead of the bow in Psa 37:15. He whose arms are broken can neither injure others nor help himself. Whereas Jahve does for the righteous what earthly wealth and human power cannot do: He Himself upholds them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
riches--literally, "noise and tumult," as incidental to much wealth (compare Psa 39:6). Thus the contrast with the "little" of one man is more vivid.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,.... That is, their sword arm, with which they have drawn it; and so shall not be able to strike with it; and with which they have bent their bows, but shall not be able to shoot: and this proves, what is before suggested, that their efforts shall be fruitless; or their substance shall be taken away from them, in which they trusted, and wherein their strength lay; and this confirms what had been just spoken, that the righteous man's little is better than the wicked man's much; and which is further confirmed by what follows; but the Lord upholdeth the righteous; both in a providential way, by supporting them in their being, supplying their need, preserving them from dangers, and bearing them up under all their afflictions; and in a spiritual way, by maintaining the principle of grace and life in them, by furnishing them with all spiritual blessings, by sustaining them in times of temptation, and by securing them safe from their enemies; upholding them so as that they stand in the grace of God now, and shall stand before Christ with confidence hereafter; and shall not fall here finally and totally, nor in the day of judgment. The Targum is, "the Word of the Lord upholdeth the righteous".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
37:16 Being wise with modest means is better than having prosperity and power and being wicked (Prov 15:16; 16:8, 19; 17:1; 28:6).