Psalm 37 23

Psalm 37:23 kjv

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Psalm 37:23 nkjv

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.

Psalm 37:23 niv

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

Psalm 37:23 esv

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way;

Psalm 37:23 nlt

The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 23 Meaning

Psalm 37:23 states that the progress and life course of a righteous individual are established and directed by the sovereign Lord, who takes pleasure in their life's journey when it aligns with His will. This verse emphasizes divine providence, where God not only guides the righteous but also finds satisfaction in their walk of faith, ensuring their path is secure and purposeful.

Psalm 37 23 Context

Psalm 37 is a didactic wisdom psalm, presenting a strong contrast between the wicked and the righteous, particularly concerning their temporal prosperity and ultimate destiny. The psalmist, David, addresses the common perplexity of seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, advising believers not to fret (Ps 37:1, 7-8) but to trust in the Lord (Ps 37:3, 5). Verse 23 falls within a section (Ps 37:21-26) that highlights the stability and blessedness of the righteous, assuring them of God's provision and unfailing support, even when they face difficulties. Historically, this context reminds ancient Israelites that divine justice is often realized in the long term, encouraging perseverance in faith and obedience amidst life's challenges. The polemic here is against the contemporary belief or temptation that material prosperity is the sole indicator of God's favor or that wickedness is inconsequential if it yields success.

Psalm 37 23 Word analysis

• The steps (מִצְעֲדֵי, miṣ‘ădê): This Hebrew plural noun signifies "steps," "goings," or "progress." It refers to one's movements, journey, and the general course of life. It implies both individual choices and the broader direction of one's existence. The use of the plural emphasizes the continuous and comprehensive nature of God's guidance throughout every facet of life's path.
• of a good man: The original Hebrew here is actually gever (גֶּבֶר), referring to a strong man, a hero, or a mighty man, often used in a general sense for a man. The "good" is often inferred from the context of Psalm 37 where the psalm consistently contrasts the righteous with the wicked. Thus, it implicitly refers to a righteous, upright man, one who is pleasing to God through faith and obedience. This is not about human self-sufficiency in goodness, but goodness recognized by and originating from God's work in a life surrendered to Him.
• are ordered (כּוֹנָן, kōnān): From the verb kun, meaning to establish, prepare, confirm, direct, or fix firmly. This is in the Niphal participle form, indicating that the action is performed on the subject; thus, the steps are established/directed by an external agent. It speaks to God's active, intentional, and sovereign arrangement of a person's life trajectory, ensuring stability, purpose, and proper direction, not left to chance or human frailty alone.
• by the Lord (יהוה, YHWH): This is the divine personal name of God, signifying His covenant faithfulness and sovereign presence. It underscores that it is the Lord Himself, the unchanging and all-powerful God, who takes direct initiative and oversight in directing the man's steps. This isn't a passive observation but an active, loving intervention from the Creator.
• and he delights (חָפֵץ, ḥāpēṣ): This verb means "to take pleasure in," "to desire," "to incline towards," "to be pleased with." It denotes God's favorable disposition, enjoyment, and approval of the righteous person's way of life. This delight is conditional upon the alignment of the man's way with God's will. It suggests not merely tolerance, but a joyous affirmation.
• in his way (דַּרְכּוֹ, darkō): From derek, meaning a path, road, journey, course of life, or manner of living. It encapsulates the totality of the man's conduct, choices, character, and spiritual journey. When God "delights in his way," it implies satisfaction with the righteous one's obedience, trust, and alignment with divine principles.

Words-group analysis:

• The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: This phrase highlights God's ultimate sovereignty and benevolent control over the life path of His faithful followers. It's a statement of divine providence, assuring the righteous that their journey, even with its twists and turns, is purposefully orchestrated by God, not by blind fate or chaotic circumstances. This brings comfort and security.
• and he delights in his way: This second clause reveals the heart of God towards the one whose steps He orders. God's involvement isn't merely functional; it's affectionate. He takes pleasure and satisfaction in the life that walks in conformity to His established path. This delight is both a divine endorsement of the righteous life and a motivation for the believer to seek God's pleasure.

Psalm 37 23 Bonus section

The concept of "ordering steps" in Hebrew thought often signifies divine superintendence over one's entire life course, including unforeseen events and challenges. It does not imply a lack of personal choice or responsibility, but rather that within the scope of human choices, God providentially guides, establishes, and redeems the journey. This ordering implies an established purpose that transcends immediate circumstances. It’s also crucial to understand that "good man" (geber) in this context implicitly carries the meaning of one who lives by faith and righteousness, rather than an inherent, self-generated human goodness, aligning with the broader biblical understanding that all true goodness ultimately originates from God (Mk 10:18). This verse serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety about the future, encouraging active trust in God's daily guidance.

Psalm 37 23 Commentary

Psalm 37:23 is a profound statement of divine partnership in the life of the righteous. It asserts that the Lord is the architect and director of a life dedicated to Him. This guidance is not a forced manipulation, but an intentional ordering of steps, ensuring stability and purpose. The verse assures us that the course of life for those who walk in righteousness is not haphazard or left to chance, but divinely prepared and superintended. Furthermore, it reveals God's active pleasure in the way of life lived in accordance with His will. This divine delight implies affirmation, blessing, and sustained support for the believer's journey. It means that when our "steps" – our decisions, actions, and overall direction – are submitted to God and align with His principles, He finds joy in our obedience and fellowship, securing our path against complete failure or destruction.

• Example: Just as a skilled shepherd guides his sheep on the right path, leading them to green pastures and still waters, so the Lord directs the life of the faithful. And as the shepherd finds satisfaction in the health and obedience of his flock, so God delights in those who follow His leading.