Psalm 37 21

Psalm 37:21 kjv

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

Psalm 37:21 nkjv

The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives.

Psalm 37:21 niv

The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;

Psalm 37:21 esv

The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;

Psalm 37:21 nlt

The wicked borrow and never repay,
but the godly are generous givers.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 21 Meaning

Psalm 37:21 vividly contrasts the distinct character and actions of two groups: the wicked and the righteous. The wicked person, driven by self-interest and a disregard for divine principles, takes from others (borrows) without the intention or integrity to return what is owed, often defrauding. Conversely, the righteous individual, whose heart is aligned with God's ways, extends grace, shows mercy, and gives freely and abundantly to others, demonstrating a spirit of generosity and benevolence rather than accumulation and exploitation. This verse reveals their inner natures through their outward financial conduct.

Psalm 37 21 Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to David, offering guidance to those struggling with the apparent prosperity of the wicked. The overall theme is "fret not" (verses 1, 7, 8) over the seemingly flourishing evil, but instead "trust in the Lord" (verse 3), "do good" (verse 3), and "delight in the Lord" (verse 4). The psalm repeatedly contrasts the temporary nature of the wicked's success with the lasting blessing and inheritance of the righteous. Verse 21 fits squarely into this theme by illustrating a fundamental moral and ethical distinction between the two groups. The "wicked" in this psalm are those who defy God's ways, seeking personal gain through unjust means, while the "righteous" are those who live in faithful obedience to the Lord, trusting in His provision and justice. This specific verse provides a tangible example of how these divergent characters manifest in daily economic and social interactions within the community.

Psalm 37 21 Word analysis

• The wicked (רָשָׁע - rasha'): This Hebrew term denotes someone who is guilty, godless, and an aggressor against divine and human laws. It implies an inherent moral corruption and a purposeful deviation from what is right, rather than simply someone who makes a mistake. Their actions flow from this foundational character.
• borrows (לֹוֶה - loveh): An active participle, indicating a continual or habitual act of borrowing. In ancient Near Eastern societies, borrowing often occurred out of necessity. However, when paired with "does not repay," it highlights a pattern of irresponsibility or even intentional deceit, suggesting that the act of borrowing is part of a larger pattern of self-serving behavior.
• and does not repay (וְלֹא יְשַׁלֵּם - veloh y'shallēm): The emphatic "not" (לֹא) combined with the verb "to repay/to make good/to restore" (שָׁלֵם - shalem, related to completeness or peace) signifies a complete failure of integrity and an act of injustice. It's a deliberate act of defaulting, showing a disregard for contractual obligations and the well-being of the lender. This reflects a deep-seated lack of faithfulness and accountability.
• but the righteous (וְצַדִּיק - v'tzaddîq): The contrasting conjunction "but" marks a sharp distinction. Tzaddîq refers to one who is just, upright, and conformed to God's standard of righteousness. This is not merely an outward show but stems from an inward state of walking rightly before God.
• gives generously (חוֹנֵן - khōnen): Derived from the root ḥānan, meaning to be gracious, show favor, or have pity. This word goes beyond simple giving; it denotes giving from a heart of compassion, grace, and kindness, often implying giving freely and spontaneously to someone in need without expectation of return. It speaks of benevolence and open-handedness.
• and gives (וְנוֹתֵן - v'nōthēn): This simple verb "to give" (נָתַן - nathan) reinforces khōnen. The juxtaposition of the two verbs emphasizes that the righteous not only possess a spirit of generosity (from khōnen) but also actively put it into practice (from nōthēn), making generosity a hallmark of their character and conduct. It's a consistent outflow.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The wicked borrows and does not repay": This phrase paints a picture of inherent moral bankruptcy and a habitual pattern of injustice. The wicked takes and holds, showing no regard for the legitimate claims or needs of others, signifying a heart bent on exploitation and selfishness. This highlights a deficit in both integrity and empathy.
• "but the righteous gives generously and gives": This phrase depicts an overflowing well of generosity and compassion. Unlike the wicked who default on obligations, the righteous voluntarily extend their resources, reflecting a spirit of abundant grace. It speaks to an unconstrained, benevolent character, actively dispensing favor and aid. The repetition of giving emphasizes the consistent, outflowing nature of their character.

Psalm 37 21 Bonus section

The legal and social context of borrowing and lending in ancient Israel often revolved around covenant obligations. The Law of Moses (e.g., Dt 15:1-11) contained specific provisions for lending, particularly to the poor, emphasizing compassion and the release of debts in sabbatical years. Therefore, the wicked's failure to repay was not just a commercial default but a direct violation of God's covenant principles, a demonstration of contempt for both neighbor and divine law. The righteous, by their generous giving, fulfill the spirit of these laws, exemplifying covenant faithfulness and demonstrating true neighborly love. This verse reinforces the idea that true righteousness is active, visible, and contrary to the prevailing culture of self-preservation or exploitation often found among those who disregard God.

Psalm 37 21 Commentary

Psalm 37:21 succinctly encapsulates a core distinction between the character produced by wicked and righteous living. It's not primarily an economic observation, but a profound theological statement about inner character manifesting in outward financial behavior. The wicked's failure to repay is not simply bad financial practice; it is a spiritual default, betraying a heart that is selfish, untrustworthy, and disregards the justice inherent in covenant relationships, which God upholds. Their actions demonstrate a lack of honor and integrity stemming from a broader rebellion against God's ways.

In contrast, the righteous individual's propensity to give, and to do so generously and graciously, flows directly from their alignment with God's own character, for God Himself is the ultimate giver (Jas 1:17). Their giving is an act of trust in God's provision, understanding that all they have comes from Him (1 Chr 29:14), and a reflection of His compassionate nature. It illustrates a secure and open heart that understands true wealth is found not in accumulating but in sharing, honoring the divine command to care for one's neighbor and demonstrate love. This verse is therefore a micro-illustration of the broader truth of Psalm 37: the wicked pursue temporary gain through deceit, while the righteous secure eternal blessings through faithfulness and self-giving.Practical examples:

• For the wicked: A person who takes loans or credit cards with no intention of fulfilling their obligation, or who neglects just debts out of selfishness or dishonesty, regardless of ability to pay.
• For the righteous: Someone who freely shares their resources, time, or expertise to genuinely help others in need, whether through charitable donations, hospitality, or generous support of ministries, without expecting anything in return.