Psalm 37 31

Psalm 37:31 kjv

The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

Psalm 37:31 nkjv

The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.

Psalm 37:31 niv

The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.

Psalm 37:31 esv

The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.

Psalm 37:31 nlt

They have made God's law their own,
so they will never slip from his path.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 31 Meaning

Psalm 37:31 describes the internal reality and external outcome of a truly righteous individual. It asserts that the divine instruction of God dwells deep within their innermost being, guiding their thoughts, intentions, and will. Consequently, this deep-seated commitment ensures their conduct, likened to their "steps," remains steadfast and does not falter, signifying moral and spiritual stability, even amidst life's challenges or the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 37 31 Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, presented as a didactic poem contrasting the temporary prosperity of the wicked with the ultimate blessedness and vindication of the righteous. Authored by David, it counsels patience, trust in the Lord, and continued righteous living, rather than envy or agitation over the apparent success of evildoers. The central theme revolves around God's unwavering justice, assuring His faithful ones that in due time, the wicked will fade, and the upright will inherit the land and dwell securely.

Within this broader context, verse 31 reinforces the inner quality that defines the righteous person described throughout the psalm. Verses 28-30 highlight the Lord's love for justice, His preservation of saints, and the righteous man's wisdom and just speech. Verse 31 then explains the source of this outward righteousness: an internalized law. This verse sets the stage for the following assurance that the righteous will not be "utterly cast down" (v. 24) and their ultimate salvation by the Lord (v. 39-40), whose law provides stability and direction throughout life.

Psalm 37 31 Word analysis

• The law of his God:

  • "Law": Hebrew Torah (תּוֹרָה). While often translated "law," Torah fundamentally means "instruction" or "teaching." It encompasses divine guidance, principles, and commands for living a life aligned with God's will. It's not merely a rigid set of rules but a path to life and blessing.
  • "his God": Hebrew Elohav (אֱלֹהָיו), referring to his personal God. This signifies a possessive and intimate relationship between the individual and the divine instructor. It is his God whose Torah is being considered, highlighting a covenantal bond and personal allegiance. The instruction is not a distant code, but a personalized guidance from a trusted source.

• is in his heart:

  • "is in": Indicates dwelling, residing, being present within.
  • "his heart": Hebrew Lev (לֵב). This term signifies more than just the emotional center. In biblical Hebrew, the "heart" is the seat of intellect, will, reason, conscience, memory, and purpose. It represents the inner being, the core of one's personality and decision-making. Thus, the law is not just memorized or externally adhered to, but it governs the person's inner motivations, thoughts, and intentions. This deep internalization suggests genuine commitment and love for God's instruction.

• his steps:

  • "his steps": Hebrew Ashshurav (אֲשֻּׁרָיו), meaning his "steps," "goings," or "walk." Metaphorically, it refers to one's entire course of life, their conduct, journey, and chosen path. It embodies the outward manifestation of the inner being.

• do not slide:

  • "do not slide": Hebrew Lo yim'adu (לֹא יִמְעָדוּ), from the verb ma'ad (מָעַד) which means "to waver, totter, stumble, slip." The negation "lo" emphasizes complete steadfastness. This implies that the person's life journey remains firm, stable, and righteous. They do not falter morally, fall into sin, deviate from the right path, or collapse under adversity. Their spiritual and ethical walk is consistent and secure.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "The law of his God is in his heart": This phrase describes the source of genuine righteousness. It's not about external religious observance or mere intellectual assent, but about a transformed inner self where God's divine guidance (Torah) is deeply implanted and governs one's core being. This deep internalization differentiates superficial adherence from true devotion. It foreshadows the New Covenant promise where God writes His law on hearts, making obedience natural (Jer 31:33, Heb 8:10).
  • "his steps do not slide": This phrase highlights the practical outcome and blessed consequence of having God's law within. Because their internal compass is fixed on God's truth, their external conduct (steps) is steady, stable, and unwavering. They are protected from stumbling into sin, moral compromise, or losing their way spiritually. This suggests consistency, perseverance, and divine preservation on their life's journey, in stark contrast to the unstable and stumbling path of the wicked.

Psalm 37 31 Bonus section

The profound insight of this verse lies in presenting an organic relationship: what resides within the heart directly shapes one's outer life. It is not about outward legalism, but an inward love for God's instruction that organically produces stability. This concept lays significant theological groundwork for the New Covenant where the Law is written on the "fleshy tablets of the heart" (2 Cor 3:3), enabling a transformed life from the inside out through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Thus, Psalm 37:31 can be seen as a prophetic glimmer of this spiritual reality, emphasizing that God's desire has always been for an inner, heart-driven obedience that leads to true human flourishing and divine preservation.

Psalm 37 31 Commentary

Psalm 37:31 powerfully articulates the causal link between an internalized faith and a stable, righteous life. It conveys that genuine adherence to God's Torah—His life-giving instruction—must originate from the core of one's being, the heart. When divine principles are not just understood intellectually or followed externally, but are deeply imprinted on the will and mind, they transform one's inner landscape. This internal transformation naturally translates into unwavering outward conduct. "His steps do not slide" means the person's journey through life, their decisions, and their character remain steadfast and righteous, secured by divine guidance within. This provides immense stability, protection from moral error, and perseverance even when the world around them is chaotic or when faced with temptations or the apparent success of the ungodly. It assures that those whose hearts are yielded to God's wisdom will walk a sure path, guarded from spiritual and moral collapse.

Examples for practical usage:

• Decision Making: A person with God's law in their heart makes choices not based on fleeting desires or worldly trends, but on timeless biblical principles, leading to consistent, righteous outcomes.
• Resisting Temptation: When faced with opportunities for sin, the internalized Torah acts as an internal restraint and guide, strengthening their resolve to walk righteously and preventing them from stumbling.
• Navigating Crises: In times of uncertainty or personal challenge, the heart anchored in God's instruction provides stability, ensuring their faith does not waver and their life path remains grounded, even amidst adversity.