Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].
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Commentary for Psalms 37:16
Psalm 37:16 is part of a wisdom psalm attributed to David, which contrasts the lives of the righteous and the wicked. The verse reflects on the quality of life and the value of possessions, emphasizing that the modest possessions of a righteous person are preferable to the abundant wealth of the wicked. This sentiment is rooted in the understanding that material wealth obtained unrighteously is ultimately of little value, while the security and contentment that come from living a life in accordance with God's will are of greater worth.
Historically, this verse speaks to the ancient Israelite audience, who would have been familiar with the concept of righteousness as adherence to God's law and the idea that true prosperity is not measured by wealth alone. In the broader context of the psalm, it encourages trust in the Lord and living a life of integrity, suggesting that such a life, even if materially modest, is richer in what truly matters and will ultimately be vindicated by God. The verse underscores the biblical theme that moral integrity and faith are more precious than transient earthly treasures.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
Strong's Number: H4592 There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: מְעַט Transliteration: mᵉʻaṭ Pronunciation: meh-at' Description: or מְעָט; from מָעַט; a little or few (often adverbial or compar.); almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very.
Strong's Number: H6662 There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: צַדִּיק Transliteration: tsaddîyq Pronunciation: tsad-deek' Description: from צָדַק; just; just, lawful, righteous (man).
Strong's Number: H2896 There are 517 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: טוֹב Transliteration: ṭôwb Pronunciation: tobe Description: from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured).
Strong's Number: H1995 There are 78 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: הָמוֹן Transliteration: hâmôwn Pronunciation: haw-mone' Description: or הָמֹן; (Ezekiel 5:7), from הָמָה; a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth; abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult.
Strong's Number: H7227 There are 439 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: רַב Transliteration: rab Pronunciation: rab Description: by contracted from רָבַב; abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality); (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent).
Strong's Number: H7563 There are 249 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: רָשָׁע Transliteration: râshâʻ Pronunciation: raw-shaw' Description: from רָשַׁע; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person; [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.