1. “The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth” Lesson 11: Psalm 37

2. Psalm 37 – An Overview This Psalm is a teaching (didactic) Psalm, written by David late in his life (v. 25) Its theme focuses on those who will “inherit the earth” (vs. 9, 11, 22, 29, 34) Its description of what it means to “inherit the earth” (vs. 11, 22, 29, 3) helps us understand the blessing that Jesus pronounced on the meek in Matthew 5:5 (cf. Matthew 6:33) –Inheriting the earth means perpetually enjoying an abundance of peace in this life. –The little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of the wicked (v. 16; Ecclesiastes 5:19—6:2)

3. Psalm 37 – An Overview This Psalm is an acrostic poem, the stanzas of which begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 37 may be outlined as follows: I.Exhortation for the Righteous (37:1-8) II.Contrasts between the Wicked and the Righteous (37:9-26) a.The futility of the wicked (37:9-17) b.The steadfastness of the righteous. (37:18-26) III.Counsel for the righteous (37:27-40)

4. Exhortation for the Righteous (Psalm 37:1-8) Do not envy evildoers (37:1-2) –Their time is short (cf. Proverbs 24:19-20) Put your faith in the Lord (37:3-8) –If we “Trust in the Lord and do good,” we will “feed on His faithfulness” (37:3; Isaiah 1:19) –If we “delight” in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart (37:4; 1 John 5:14-15) –If we commit our way to the Lord, He will “bring it to pass” (37:5-6). –If we “rest in the Lord,” we will not fret (37:7-8)

5. Contrasts between the Wicked & the Righteous (Psalm 37:9-26) The Futility of the Wicked (37:9-17) –In contrast to the meek, the wicked will soon be cut off (37:9-11; 55:23; Proverbs 10:27) –In opposition to the Lord (37:12-17; 7:13-16) The Steadfastness of the Righteous (37:18-26) –Continually blessed in contrast to the wicked (37:18-22) –His steps are ordered by the Lord, and the Lord upholds him (37:23-26; Micah 7:8)

6. Counsel for the Righteous (Psalm 37:27-40) Depart from evil and do good (37:27-33) –The Lord loves and preserves the righteous (37:27-29). –The righteous have God’s law in their hearts and on their tongues (37:30-31). –The Lord will protect the righteous from the wicked (37:32-33). Wait on the Lord to see His justice (37:34-40) –Note what has happened to the wicked (37:35-36) –Note what will happen to the righteous (37:37-40)