Psalms 37:37

KJV

Mark the perfect [man], and behold the upright: for the end of [that] man [is] peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

Mark {H8104} the perfect {H8535} man, and behold {H7200}{H8798)} the upright {H3477}: for the end {H319} of that man {H376} is peace {H7965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Observe the pure person, consider the upright; for the peaceful person will have posterity.

Berean Standard Bible

Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace.

American Standard Version

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; For there is ahappyend to the man of peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:37 offers a profound and comforting directive, urging believers to diligently observe and contemplate the life trajectory of individuals characterized by integrity and moral uprightness. It assures them that the ultimate outcome and destiny of such a life is profound, comprehensive peace, a divine flourishing that stands in stark contrast to the fleeting, often deceptive, prosperity of the wicked—a pervasive theme woven throughout this entire wisdom psalm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a didactic wisdom psalm, traditionally attributed to David, structured loosely as an acrostic. Its primary purpose is to instruct and comfort the righteous who are perplexed or distressed by the apparent success and flourishing of the wicked, while the godly often endure hardship. The psalm repeatedly counsels against "fretting" (e.g., [Psalm 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Do Not Fret Over Evildoers")), instead advocating for trust in the Lord, doing good, and patiently waiting for His justice to unfold. Verse 37:37 functions as a climactic summary statement regarding the blessed "end" of the righteous, directly contrasting with the repeated declarations of the wicked's ultimate destruction and perishing, as seen in verses like [Psalm 37:20](/psalms/37-20 "Psalm 37:20 - The Wicked Perish") and [Psalm 37:38](/psalms/37-38 "Psalm 37:38 - The Destruction of Transgressors"). It provides a final, encouraging word on the enduring legacy of a life lived in faithfulness to God, serving as a powerful counterpoint to the temporary nature of ungodly success.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed within ancient Israel's rich wisdom tradition, Psalm 37 reflects a worldview where divine blessing was often understood in terms of tangible prosperity, longevity, and security within the promised land. The tension between righteous suffering and wicked prosperity was a significant theological challenge for the covenant community, prompting wisdom literature to offer a long-term, covenantal perspective. The concept of "inheriting the land" (e.g., [Psalm 37:9](/psalms/37-9 "Psalm 37:9 - The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth")) was deeply significant, signifying not just physical territory but God's enduring favor, security, and holistic well-being within the covenant community. The psalm encourages a shift from immediate observation of circumstances to a patient trust in God's ultimate justice and providential care, which would manifest in the "end" or future of the righteous, often understood as their lineage and legacy within the land.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 37 and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores **The Ultimate Reward of Righteousness**, asserting that a life marked by integrity and devotion to God culminates in a profound and lasting peace, a comprehensive well-being (*shalom*) that transcends temporal circumstances. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a divinely secured state of flourishing. Secondly, it implicitly affirms **God's Unwavering Justice and Providence**, reassuring the faithful that despite present appearances, God ensures the ultimate vindication and blessing of those who walk in His ways, contrasting sharply with the temporary gains and ultimate destruction of the ungodly (e.g., [Psalm 37:10](/psalms/37-10 "Psalm 37:10 - The Wicked Will Be No More")). Finally, the verse calls for **Patience, Observance, and a Long-Term Perspective**, urging believers to "mark" and "behold" the lives of the righteous, thereby cultivating a trust in God's overarching plan rather than being swayed by immediate injustices or fleeting prosperity. This theme is central to the psalm's repeated exhortations to "rest in the Lord" and "wait patiently for Him" (e.g., [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord and Wait Patiently")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perfect (Hebrew, _tām'_):** From H8535, this word signifies completeness; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear; coupled together, perfect, plain, undefiled, upright. In this context, it does not imply sinless perfection in an absolute sense, but rather a sincerity, moral soundness, and consistency in one's walk with God, free from duplicity or compromise. It speaks to a life lived in alignment with God's covenant, characterized by integrity and wholeness of devotion.
* **Upright (Hebrew, _yâshâr'_):** From H3477, meaning straight (literally or figuratively); convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). This term describes someone whose path, character, and actions are in alignment with God's commands and righteous standards. It denotes rectitude and integrity in conduct, reflecting a life that is not crooked or perverse but walks directly in God's ways, demonstrating moral consistency and honesty.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, meaning safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace; [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. Far more than merely the absence of conflict, *shalom* encompasses a holistic state of comprehensive well-being, wholeness, prosperity, health, harmony, and security in all aspects of life—spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical. It represents a state of flourishing and divine blessing, the ultimate good that God bestows upon His faithful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Mark the perfect [man], and behold the upright":** These are two parallel imperative commands, urging the reader to actively observe, consider deeply, and fix their attention upon the lives of those who embody integrity (*tām*) and moral rectitude (*yâshâr*). The Hebrew verbs "mark" (H8104, *shâmar*, to guard, observe carefully) and "behold" (H7200, *râʼâh*, to see, discern) emphasize the importance of learning from the example of the righteous, studying their character and conduct as a pattern for one's own life and as tangible evidence of God's faithfulness. It is an invitation to discern the true nature of blessedness.
* **"for the end of [that] man [is] peace":** This clause provides the compelling reason for the preceding commands. The Hebrew word for "end" (H319, *ʼachărîyth*) refers to the outcome, future, or destiny. It speaks to the ultimate conclusion of one's life or path, not necessarily just at death, but the full unfolding of their life's trajectory, including their legacy and posterity. The promise is that the ultimate destiny or final state of such a person is *shalom*—a profound, comprehensive, and enduring well-being that is divinely secured, contrasting sharply with the "end" of the wicked, which is destruction and perishing.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 37:37 employs several impactful literary devices that enhance its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "Mark the perfect [man]" is echoed and reinforced by "and behold the upright." Both phrases convey the same core idea of careful observation and discernment, emphasizing the importance of studying righteous character. The verse also uses **Imperative Mood** ("Mark," "behold"), directly commanding the reader to take action, making the instruction personal, urgent, and actionable. There is an implicit **Contrast** at play, as the entire psalm sets the "end" of the righteous against the "end" of the wicked, making the promise of peace for the upright all the more striking and comforting. Finally, the concept of a life having an "end" or "outcome" can be seen as a subtle **Metaphor** of life as a journey or path, leading to a specific destination or destiny, with peace as the ultimate, divinely appointed destination for the faithful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine recompense and the enduring nature of true blessedness. It underscores that while the righteous may face temporal difficulties and suffer injustice, their ultimate destiny is secured by God's faithfulness and justice. The peace promised is not merely a cessation of trouble but a holistic well-being (*shalom*) that flows from a right relationship with God, a peace that the world cannot give or take away. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God is just, sovereign, and that His covenant promises to His faithful people are unwavering, culminating in a state of flourishing that is both a present experience and an eschatological hope. It encourages a long-term, eternal perspective on life's trials and triumphs, grounding hope in God's unchanging character rather than fleeting circumstances or the deceptive appearances of the present age.

* [Proverbs 4:18](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18 - The Path of the Righteous Shines Brighter")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust")
* [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often driven by immediate gratification, superficial appearances, and the relentless pursuit of fleeting success, Psalms 37:37 offers a timeless anchor for the soul. It calls us to shift our gaze from the temporary triumphs of the ungodly to the enduring legacy of those who faithfully walk with God. This verse challenges us to prioritize character over convenience, integrity over expediency, and a deep-rooted trust in God's ultimate plan over anxiety about present circumstances. It reminds us that true peace—the comprehensive *shalom* of God—is not found in the absence of external conflict, but in the internal wholeness and security that comes from living a life of obedience and devotion to the Lord. Our calling is to live in such a way that our "end" testifies to God's goodness, becoming a beacon of hope and a testament to His faithfulness for those who "mark" and "behold" our lives, inspiring them to pursue the path of righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Whose lives do I "mark" and "behold" as examples? Are they truly "perfect" and "upright" in a biblical sense, demonstrating integrity and faithfulness to God?**
* **In what ways am I tempted to "fret" over the apparent prosperity of the wicked or my own trials? How can this verse reorient my perspective towards God's ultimate justice and peace?**
* **What does "peace" (*shalom*) mean to me in its fullest biblical sense, and how does pursuing a life of integrity contribute to experiencing this peace in my daily life?**
* **How can I cultivate a character that reflects the "perfect" and "upright" qualities described in this verse, even when it seems counter-cultural or costly in the short term?**

### FAQ
**What does "perfect man" mean in this context, given that no human is sinless?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "perfect" (תָּם, *tām*) in Psalms 37:37 does not imply absolute sinless perfection, which is unattainable for humans (see [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Instead, it refers to a person of integrity, blamelessness, and wholeness of heart. It describes someone whose devotion to God is sincere and consistent, whose character is sound, and who strives to live in accordance with God's commands without hypocrisy or duplicity. It's about being "complete" or "wholehearted" in one's walk with God, rather than being flawlessly without fault.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of the prosperity of the wicked in Psalm 37?**

Answer: Psalms 37:37 serves as a direct contrast and ultimate answer to the persistent problem addressed throughout the psalm: the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the struggles of the righteous. While the psalm acknowledges the temporary flourishing of the ungodly, it repeatedly asserts that their "end" will be destruction and perishing (e.g., [Psalm 37:20](/psalms/37-20 "Psalm 37:20 - The Wicked Perish Like Smoke")). Conversely, this verse assures the reader that the "end" of the righteous is peace. It encourages a long-term perspective, emphasizing God's ultimate justice and the enduring blessing He bestows upon His faithful, providing comfort and a reason not to "fret" over present injustices or the fleeting successes of the ungodly.

**Is the "peace" promised in this verse only for the afterlife, or does it apply to this life as well?**

Answer: The "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, *shalom*) promised in Psalms 37:37 encompasses both present and future realities. While it certainly points to an ultimate, eternal state of well-being and security with God, *shalom* in the Old Testament also signifies a comprehensive, holistic flourishing experienced in this life. This includes spiritual tranquility, emotional wholeness, harmonious relationships, and a sense of divine favor and security, even amidst trials. Therefore, the upright person can experience aspects of this peace in the here and now, even as they anticipate its full and perfect realization in their ultimate destiny, which may extend beyond physical life into eternal blessedness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:37 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "perfect man" and the perfectly "upright" one, the only human who lived a life of absolute integrity, blamelessness, and unwavering obedience to God, without sin (as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest") and [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ Committed No Sin")). His "end"—His sacrificial death on the cross and victorious resurrection—was not one of perishing, but the ultimate act that secured true and lasting "peace" for all humanity. Through His atoning work, Christ became our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")), reconciling us to God and breaking down the wall of hostility that separated humanity from its Creator. Believers, by being united with Christ through faith, are declared righteous in Him ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")) and participate in His peace, both a present reality of reconciliation and an eternal inheritance. Thus, when we "mark" and "behold" Christ, we see the perfect embodiment of righteousness whose "end" brought about the very *shalom* that God promises to His people, a peace that transcends all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philipians/4-7 "The Peace of God That Transcends All Understanding")) and is the foundation of our eternal hope (e.g., [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "Jesus Gives Peace")).

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

Isaiah 32:17

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

Isaiah 57:1

¶ The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth [it] to heart: and merciful men [are] taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil [to come].

Isaiah 57:2

He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, [each one] walking [in] his uprightness.

2 Timothy 4:6

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Acts 7:59

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Acts 7:60

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.