Psalms 37:21

21 The wicked borroweth and payeth not back, but the righteous showeth mercy and giveth:

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 shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall be consumed; into smoke shall they be consumed away.

21 The wicked borroweth and payeth not back, but the righteous showeth mercy and giveth:

22 for such as are blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, but they that are cursed by Him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delighteth in his way.