Psalms 37:19

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

They shall not be ashamed {H954} in the evil {H7451} time {H6256}: and in the days {H3117} of famine {H7459} they shall be satisfied {H7646}{H8799)}.

They will not be distressed when times are hard; when famine comes, they will have plenty.

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

They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil; And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

Psalms 37:19 (KJV) offers a profound promise of divine protection and provision for the righteous, particularly during times of hardship and scarcity. This verse reassures believers that God will sustain them when circumstances are dire, preventing them from being put to shame or suffering want.

Context

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to King David, written to encourage the righteous who might be disheartened by the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Throughout the psalm, David contrasts the temporary success of evildoers with the enduring blessing and ultimate security of those who trust in the Lord. Verses like "Trust in the LORD, and do good" set the tone for a life lived in faith, rather than anxiety over injustice or material lack. The "evil time" and "days of famine" were very real threats in ancient agrarian societies, representing periods of widespread distress, economic collapse, or natural disaster.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision and Security: The core message is God's unwavering commitment to provide for His faithful followers. Even when others suffer lack, those who live righteously will find their needs met. This echoes the broader theme of God supplying all needs according to His riches in glory.
  • Preservation from Shame: "They shall not be ashamed" implies that believers will not be disgraced, humiliated, or found wanting in times of crisis. While the wicked may boast in their fleeting abundance, they will ultimately fade away, but the righteous will be upheld and vindicated. This concept of being upheld by God's hand is central to the psalm.
  • Contrast with the Wicked: This verse stands in stark contrast to the fate of the wicked, who, despite their present abundance, will ultimately perish and be cut off (as seen in Psalm 37:20). The righteous, conversely, are promised to inherit the earth.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "ashamed" is bosh (בּוֹשׁ), which carries the meaning of being put to confusion, disappointment, or humiliation. In this context, it signifies that God's people will not be left in a state of despair or disgrace when adversity strikes; their hope in God will not prove futile. The word for "satisfied" is saba (שָׂבַע), meaning to be full, to have enough, or to be completely supplied. This suggests not just bare survival, but a sufficient and even abundant provision, even amidst widespread scarcity.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 37:19 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness during periods of economic uncertainty, social unrest, or personal trials. It encourages a posture of trust in God's providence rather than relying on worldly resources or succumbing to fear. When faced with the "evil time" or "days of famine"—whether literal or metaphorical (e.g., spiritual famine, emotional drought)—this verse assures us that God will sustain His own. It calls us to continue living righteously, knowing that our ultimate security and satisfaction come from Him, not from the fleeting circumstances of the world. This promise encourages us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all other necessary things will be added.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 33:19

    To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

  • Proverbs 10:3

    The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

  • Job 5:20

    In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.

  • Job 5:22

    At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

  • Isaiah 33:16

    He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure.

  • Amos 5:13

    Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it [is] an evil time.

  • Ephesians 5:16

    Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
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