Psalms 37:3

KJV

Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Trust {H982} in the LORD {H3068}, and do {H6213}{H8798)} good {H2896}; so shalt thou dwell {H7931}{H8798)} in the land {H776}, and verily {H530} thou shalt be fed {H7462}{H8798)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Trust in ADONAI, and do good; settle in the land, and feed on faithfulness.

Berean Standard Bible

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

American Standard Version

Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed onhisfaithfulness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 37:3 serves as a foundational exhortation within a wisdom psalm, urging believers to anchor their lives in unwavering trust in the Lord and active pursuit of righteousness. It presents a divine promise of security, stability, and provision for those who live by these principles, offering a counter-narrative to the apparent prosperity of the wicked and establishing a blueprint for a life of peace and divine sustenance amidst worldly anxieties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, likely an acrostic (though imperfectly preserved in English), that addresses the perennial problem of the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. It is structured as a series of exhortations and promises, encouraging the faithful not to "fret" or "be envious" of evildoers (as seen in [Psalm 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Do not fret because of evildoers") and [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord")). Our verse, [Psalm 37:3](/psalms/37-3 "Psalm 37:3 - Trust and do good"), immediately follows these initial warnings, offering the positive commands and their associated blessings as the antidote to fretting. It sets the tone for the entire psalm, which elaborates on the temporary nature of the wicked's success and the enduring inheritance of the righteous. The psalm consistently contrasts the fleeting nature of the ungodly with the lasting security and blessing of those who trust in God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Traditionally attributed to David, Psalm 37 reflects the societal and theological concerns prevalent in ancient Israel. The concept of "dwelling in the land" (often Canaan, the Promised Land) was deeply significant, symbolizing covenant faithfulness, security, and inheritance (see [Deuteronomy 4:40](/deuteronomy/4-40 "Deuteronomy 4:40 - Long life in the land")). For an agrarian society, "being fed" was not merely about sustenance but about thriving, implying abundant harvests and freedom from famine, directly linked to God's blessing upon the land and its inhabitants. The psalm operates within a worldview where divine justice, though sometimes delayed, is ultimately certain, and righteous living is expected to lead to well-being, even when immediate circumstances seem to contradict this. It speaks to a community grappling with the tension between ideal covenant blessings and the often-harsh realities of life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights **Active Faith and Obedience**, emphasizing that genuine trust in God is not passive but inherently leads to righteous actions. This intertwining of faith and works is a recurring motif, as seen in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding"). Secondly, it underscores **Divine Provision and Security**, promising that God will faithfully sustain and protect those who align their lives with His will. The imagery of "dwelling in the land" and "being fed" speaks to a comprehensive well-being, both material and existential, under God's watchful care. This resonates with the broader theme of God as the ultimate provider and protector for His people, a theme echoed in the New Testament's call to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, with the promise that all needs will be met (e.g., [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek first the kingdom of God")). Finally, the verse reinforces the **Blessings of Righteousness**, a foundational principle in wisdom literature that posits a direct, though not always simplistic, correlation between obedience to God and a flourishing life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trust (Hebrew: בָּטַח, _bataḥ_):** This verb signifies more than a mere intellectual assent; it denotes a deep, abiding reliance, to lean upon, to feel secure and confident in something or someone. In this context, it implies a complete surrender and confident expectation in the Lord's character, power, and promises, especially when circumstances are challenging or confusing. It is an active posture of faith, resting fully on God.
* **do good (Hebrew: עָשָׂה טוֹב, _ʿasaḥ ṭov_):** This phrase emphasizes active, intentional righteousness. It's not merely the absence of evil but the positive performance of good deeds, ethical conduct, and acts of justice and kindness. This highlights that true faith is always expressed through tangible, moral action, demonstrating a transformed heart.
* **dwell (Hebrew: שָׁכַן, _shakan_):** This verb means to settle down, to abide, to reside securely, or to inhabit. It conveys a sense of stability, permanence, and peaceful habitation. In the context of "the land," it speaks to a secure and undisturbed existence, free from the threat of displacement or insecurity, a profound blessing in the ancient world.
* **fed (Hebrew: רָעָה, _raʿah_):** While primarily meaning "to feed" or "to pasture," this word also carries the connotation of "to shepherd" or "to tend carefully." It suggests not just basic sustenance but a loving, watchful, and comprehensive provision from God, akin to a shepherd diligently caring for his flock, ensuring their well-being in every aspect.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Trust in the LORD":** This is the primary imperative, foundational to the entire verse and psalm. It calls for a complete and unwavering reliance on Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This trust is not a passive hope but an active commitment of one's entire being to God's faithfulness and sovereignty, especially in the face of the apparent success of the wicked.
* **"and do good":** This second imperative is inextricably linked to the first. It demonstrates that genuine trust in God inevitably leads to righteous living. Faith is not abstract but practical, manifesting in ethical conduct, justice, and kindness towards others. It is the visible fruit of an internal posture of trust.
* **"[so] shalt thou dwell in the land":** This is the first of two promises contingent upon the preceding commands. "The land" here primarily refers to the Promised Land, symbolizing security, inheritance, and a settled, peaceful existence under God's blessing. For the believer, it speaks to spiritual security, a sense of belonging, and a stable foundation in God's kingdom, regardless of physical location.
* **"and verily thou shalt be fed":** This is the second promise, assuring comprehensive provision. "Fed" implies not just basic sustenance but abundant and consistent provision for all needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual. The word "verily" (often translated as "be fed securely" or "enjoy security") underscores the certainty and reliability of God's provision, emphasizing His watchful care over those who trust and obey Him.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 37:3 employs several powerful literary devices. It begins with two strong **Imperatives** ("Trust... and do good"), directly commanding the reader to action, establishing the core behavioral requirements. This is followed by a clear **Conditional Promise** ("so shalt thou dwell... and verily thou shalt be fed"), where the blessings are explicitly linked to obedience to the commands. The structure exhibits a form of **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and do good") expands upon or completes the thought of the first ("Trust in the LORD"), showing that true trust is active. The promises of "dwell in the land" and "be fed" utilize **Metonymy** and **Symbolism**; "the land" stands for security, inheritance, and a settled life, while "be fed" symbolizes comprehensive divine provision and well-being, extending beyond mere physical nourishment to encompass all aspects of life under God's care. The entire verse functions as a concise **Aphorism**, a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or principle of wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 37:3 articulates a fundamental theological truth: God's covenant faithfulness extends to His people, providing security and sustenance when they live in active trust and obedience. This verse bridges the gap between inner disposition (trust) and outward action (doing good), demonstrating that true righteousness is holistic. It reassures believers that their ultimate security and provision come from God, not from worldly circumstances or the fleeting successes of the wicked. This promise of dwelling and being fed echoes the covenant blessings found throughout the Old Testament, where obedience to God's commands was directly linked to prosperity and peace in the land. It also foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on seeking God's kingdom first, with the assurance that all necessary things will be added.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the modern believer, Psalm 37:3 offers a timeless and profoundly practical blueprint for navigating a world often characterized by injustice, anxiety, and the apparent triumph of unrighteousness. It calls us away from the destructive cycle of comparison and envy, redirecting our focus to the unchanging character of God. The command to "Trust in the LORD" challenges us to cultivate a deep, abiding reliance on God's sovereignty and goodness, especially when circumstances are beyond our control or understanding. This trust is not passive but fuels the active pursuit of "doing good"—living with integrity, compassion, and justice in our daily lives, reflecting God's character to the world. The promises of "dwelling in the land" and "being fed" then become a powerful assurance that God will provide stability, security, and meet our every need, both physical and spiritual, as we align our lives with His will. This frees us from the burden of self-reliance and the fear of scarcity, allowing us to live with peace and purpose, knowing our ultimate well-being is secured in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to "trust in the LORD" fully, especially when the wicked seem to prosper?**
* **How does your "doing good" actively demonstrate your trust in God, and are there specific actions you can take this week to live more righteously?**
* **What does "dwelling in the land" and "being fed" mean for you spiritually and practically in your current circumstances?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper trust in God alleviate anxieties about your future or provision?**

### FAQ
**What does "dwell in the land" mean for believers today, since we are not living in ancient Israel?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, "dwelling in the land" literally referred to secure habitation in the Promised Land, a symbol of covenant blessing and divine favor. For believers today, its meaning expands beyond a literal geographical location to encompass a spiritual reality. It signifies a life of stability, security, and peace found in God's presence and kingdom. It means having a settled, secure spiritual home in Christ, experiencing God's abiding presence, and living with the assurance of an eternal inheritance. It speaks to a deep sense of belonging and divine protection, regardless of one's physical circumstances or earthly dwelling. It is about living under God's sovereign care, finding rest and provision in His spiritual "land" of grace and truth, as pilgrims on earth but citizens of heaven (see [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our citizenship is in heaven")).

**Is this verse promoting a "prosperity gospel" that promises material wealth for faith?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promote a prosperity gospel in the modern sense of guaranteed material wealth. While it promises "dwelling in the land" and "being fed," these phrases, in their original context, refer to comprehensive well-being, security, and sustenance—basic needs met, not necessarily extravagant riches. The emphasis is on God's faithful provision and protection for those who live righteously, contrasting with the fleeting nature of the wicked's success. The psalm itself acknowledges that the righteous may suffer (e.g., [Psalm 37:25](/psalms/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - I have not seen the righteous forsaken")), but it assures that God will never abandon them or leave them destitute. The promise is of God's sufficient care and a stable, secure life rooted in Him, which is far richer than mere material gain and often includes spiritual peace and contentment even amidst hardship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 37:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The command to "Trust in the LORD" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who perfectly trusted His Father in all things, even to the point of death on the cross (see [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, Jesus is the epitome of "doing good," as His entire earthly ministry was characterized by acts of healing, teaching, and selfless service, culminating in the ultimate good of His atoning sacrifice for humanity's sin (see [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus went about doing good")). Through His perfect life, death, and resurrection, Christ secured for us the true "dwelling in the land"—not merely a physical territory, but an eternal inheritance and secure dwelling in God's presence. He is our true home, the one in whom we "live and move and have our being" (see [Acts 17:28](/acts/17-28 "Acts 17:28 - In Him we live and move and have our being")). Moreover, Jesus is the ultimate source of being "fed," declaring Himself the "bread of life" (see [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "living water" (see [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water")), providing spiritual sustenance that satisfies eternally. In Christ, we find true security, peace, and abundant life, fulfilling the promises of this psalm in a way far grander than any temporal blessing.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 17:7

Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Matthew 6:31

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Psalms 62:8

¶ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.