Psalm 37 37

Psalm 37:37 kjv

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

Psalm 37:37 nkjv

Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; For the future of that man is peace.

Psalm 37:37 niv

Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.

Psalm 37:37 esv

Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.

Psalm 37:37 nlt

Look at those who are honest and good,
for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.

Psalm 37 verses

Psalm 37 37 Meaning

Psalm 37:37 serves as a profound admonition and promise, urging careful observation of the righteous while contrasting their ultimate destiny with that of the wicked, a theme prevalent throughout the psalm. It assures that those who live with integrity, exhibiting blamelessness and uprightness, will experience a blessed end characterized by holistic peace and security. This "future" (or "end") refers to their ultimate destiny and well-being, whether in this life or eternally, stemming from God's covenant faithfulness.

Psalm 37 37 Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, presented as an acrostic (though incomplete in some sections) to aid memorization. It directly addresses the perplexing issue of the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, a common struggle for believers in ancient Israel and throughout history. The psalm’s central theme is to combat anxiety ("fret not," used multiple times) over the apparent success of evildoers, urging trust in the Lord and patience. It offers practical wisdom and ethical instruction, emphasizing that God, in His perfect timing, will ultimately judge the wicked and vindicate the righteous. Verse 37 comes towards the climax of the psalm, contrasting the temporary glory and swift destruction of the wicked (vv. 35-36, 38) with the lasting hope and ultimate peace destined for the upright. The historical context reflects a society where injustice was common, and there was a constant temptation to question God's justice or imitate the shortcuts of the wicked. This verse reassures the original audience that God’s justice is not absent but unfolds over time.

Psalm 37 37 Word analysis

• Mark (שְׁמֹר - shmor): From the root "shamar," meaning to observe, watch, guard, keep. It implies a deliberate, careful, and sustained attention. This is not a casual glance but a command to pay close heed, to discern, and to truly understand the spiritual reality of their lives. It's an active mental engagement, almost like "study" or "take careful note of."
• Blameless (תָּם - tam): Root "tamam," meaning complete, whole, sound, innocent. It describes one whose integrity is whole and sincere, without moral defect in the sight of God. This doesn't necessarily mean flawless perfection, but rather purity of motive, honesty, and consistency of character; someone "walking uprightly." It suggests a life fully consecrated and faithful to God, not just externally, but from the heart. It also conveys completeness in the sense of being fully aligned with God's will.
• man (אִישׁ - ish): Simply "man" or "a person." It emphasizes the individual subject of observation.
• and behold (וּרְאֵה - u'r'eh): From the root "ra'ah," meaning to see, look, perceive. Coupled with "mark" ("shmor"), this creates an emphatic call to observation. "Mark" is about observing consistently, while "behold" suggests an act of discernment, seeing the reality, appreciating the internal character and external actions. It is a contemplative gaze that understands the nature of such a person.
• the upright (יָשָׁר - yashar): From the root "yashar," meaning straight, right, equitable, just. This term describes one who walks a straight path, whose conduct is in conformity with God's righteous standards. It signifies moral rectitude and honesty, integrity in action, and adherence to divine law, without deviation or crookedness.
• for (כִּי - ki): A causal conjunction, meaning "because" or "for." It introduces the reason or basis for the preceding instruction to observe. The ultimate destiny is the reason why their lives are worthy of close examination and emulation.
• there is a future (אַחֲרִית - acharit): Means "the end," "latter end," "outcome," "posterity," or "destiny." This is a crucial word. It refers to the ultimate state or culmination of a person's life, implying a final, lasting result. While it can include earthly well-being or continuation of family line, in the broader biblical context, especially within wisdom literature and contrasted with the wicked's "acharit" (e.g., Ps 37:38), it increasingly points towards eternal destiny and divine vindication. It signifies ultimate security and blessedness granted by God.
• for the man (לְאִישׁ - le'ish): Literally "to a man" or "for a man," reinforcing the individual focus.
• of peace (שָׁלוֹם - shalom): Root "shalem," meaning complete, sound, whole. "Shalom" is much more than the absence of conflict; it signifies holistic well-being, wholeness, prosperity, security, health, and completeness in all aspects of life – spiritual, relational, mental, and physical. For the "man of peace," it denotes one who possesses and propagates this comprehensive well-being, both internally and in their relationships, resulting from their alignment with God's will. Their "future" is imbued with this all-encompassing peace.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Mark the blameless man, and behold the upright": This pair of imperatives emphasizes deep and deliberate observation. "Mark" suggests taking note, learning, discerning, while "behold" invites deeper contemplation and understanding. Together, they form a strong instruction to scrutinize and internalize the character of truly godly individuals. The parallelism of "blameless man" (tam) and "upright" (yashar) highlights two facets of righteous character: inner integrity (blamelessness) and consistent outward conduct (uprightness). This character is a holistic alignment with God's way.
• "for there is a future for the man of peace": This clause provides the compelling reason for the observation. The "future" (acharit) signifies their blessed outcome, their destiny established by God, whether temporal, lineal, or eternal. The "man of peace" (ish shalom) encapsulates the complete well-being and flourishing that characterizes those living in harmony with God and actively pursuing reconciliation and good in the world. Their inner disposition is peaceful, and their impact promotes peace. The ultimate blessed "future" of such a person is contrasted implicitly but powerfully with the utter destruction (acharit) of the wicked (Ps 37:38).

Psalm 37 37 Bonus section

• Wisdom Literature Emphasis: This verse is quintessential wisdom literature, advocating for keen observation of life's patterns from a divine perspective. It encourages practical learning by discerning the long-term consequences of different moral paths, serving as instruction for a virtuous life.
• Contrast as a Teaching Device: The full weight of "there is a future for the man of peace" is best understood when contrasted directly with Psalm 37:38: "But transgressors will be destroyed together; the future of the wicked will be cut off." The psalm implicitly teaches that the seeming temporary success of the wicked gives way to ultimate ruin, while the patience and suffering of the righteous yield enduring blessing and security.
• Theological Progression of "Acharit": While in early Hebrew thought, "acharit" (future/end) often referred to one's posterity, reputation, or ultimate temporal state, within the prophetic and sapiential traditions, and certainly within the full biblical revelation, it expands to encompass a blessed spiritual and eternal destiny, aligning with the eschatological hope for the righteous.
• Not a Guarantee of Earthly Ease: The "future of peace" does not promise a life devoid of hardship. Rather, it assures an ultimate, divinely guaranteed well-being, wholeness, and spiritual security that transcends immediate circumstances and temporal struggles. The blameless and upright often face persecution, yet their acharit is secure.

Psalm 37 37 Commentary

Psalm 37:37 distills the core message of the entire psalm into a concise instruction and promise. It is a call to observational faith: rather than fretting over the transient success of the wicked, the believer is directed to carefully study the lives of those who consistently walk in God's way. The character described – "blameless" and "upright" – refers to individuals of complete integrity and moral rectitude, whose internal motives and external actions align with God's truth. These are not people who merely avoid wrong, but who embody God’s righteousness. The profound reason for this observation is their assured "future" or "destiny." This destiny for the "man of peace"—one characterized by shalom, or holistic well-being derived from being in right relationship with God and neighbor—is ultimately one of divine blessing, security, and true prosperity. While this includes earthly provision and peace, biblical theology, especially considering the broader context of judgment for the wicked, expands "acharit" to encompass eternal life and vindication, the full measure of God’s covenant faithfulness beyond mortal limitations. The verse encourages steadfastness and trust, affirming that God’s ultimate justice will always prevail for His devoted followers.

• Example: Instead of comparing oneself to those who seem to "get ahead" by unethical means, focus on faithful individuals in your community who demonstrate integrity even in adversity, noting their inner calm and how God works in their lives over the long term. Their eventual stability and spiritual fruit are a testimony to the truth of this verse.