Psalm 37 is an “instructional” Psalm, and not the first one we have seen (Psalms 33 and 34 are other examples). These psalms often sound very much like Proverbs but the trait they have in common is that they deliberately set out to teach.
Injustice is a common theme in the psalms. The writer cannot understand why the wicked prosper and seem to get away with murder. If they can do that, why be righteous?
The psalmist cautions: “Do not fret” (vss. 1,7, 8) and as you read it, ask yourself if the writer does not have some notion of life beyond this one. The consolation he offers about the wicked is that they will soon die (vss. 2, 20, 36).
But won’t we all? What kind of comfort is that?
The writer has a notion that not all accounts are settled in this life. “There is a future,” he writes, “for the man of peace.” Not for the wicked.
Don’t fret. Trust in the Lord. Be still. Do good. Wait for the Lord. These phrases are repeated several times each as the writer makes this observation about those who follow his advice: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.”