Psalm 37: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 37 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist begins with an exhortation against envy of evildoers, reassuring that they will wither away like grass (vv. 1-2). He instructs the people to trust in Yahweh, do good, and find joy in Him, promising that He will fulfill their desires (vv.

Key verse

“Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalms 37:4 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 37:1–2 Exhortation Against Envy
Psalm 37:3–5 Trust and Delight in Yahweh
Psalm 37:6–11 The Fate of the Wicked
Psalm 37:12–18 The Justice of Yahweh
Psalm 37:19–26 The Righteous vs. the Wicked
Psalm 37:27–34 Call to Righteous Living
Psalm 37:35–40 Conclusion: Righteous Salvation

Discussion questions

In v9, who is promised to inherit the land?
What does the phrase 'a little that the righteous has' in v16 suggest?
In v7, why are the righteous encouraged to 'rest in Yahweh' despite the wicked's success?
In v25, what does David mean when he states he has not seen the righteous 'forsaken'?
When has waiting for Yahweh's timing felt challenging, as suggested in v34?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 37: Proverbs 3, John 15, Proverbs 16.

Before next time: read Psalm 38.