Psalms 37:21

21 The wicked borrow and don't pay it back, but the righteous are generous and giving.

Psalms 37:21 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 37:21

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again
While the wicked live, they are scandalous; they live by borrowing, which was always reckoned mean; see ( Deuteronomy 28:12 Deuteronomy 28:44 ) ( Proverbs 22:7 ) ; and what is worse, as they borrow, they do not design to repay; they take no care nor thought about that, but live upon what they borrow: for this either expresses their incapacity that they cannot pay; or the evil disposition of their mind, which rather seems to be the sense, that they will not pay;

but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth;
which not only argues capacity and ability, but a kind, merciful, and tender spirit to persons in distress, and is expressive of a generous action.

Psalms 37:21 In-Context

19 They won't be ashamed in troubling times, and in a period of famine they will eat their fill.

20 But the wicked will die, the LORD's enemies will disappear— disappear like the beauty of a meadow—in smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and don't pay it back, but the righteous are generous and giving.

22 Those blessed by God will possess the land, but those cursed by God will be cut off.

23 A person's steps are made secure by the LORD when they delight in his way.