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Psalms 37:14

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The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.

The wicked {H7563} have drawn out {H6605} the sword {H2719}, and have bent {H1869}{H8804)} their bow {H7198}, to cast down {H5307}{H8687)} the poor {H6041} and needy {H34}, and to slay {H2873}{H8800)} such as be of upright {H3477} conversation {H1870}.

The wicked have unsheathed their swords, they have strung their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slaughter those whose way is upright.

The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.

The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay such as are upright in the way.

Commentary

Psalms 37:14 graphically portrays the malicious intent and active aggression of the wicked against the vulnerable and the righteous. This verse is part of a wisdom psalm by King David, offering profound insights into the contrasting destinies of the righteous and the wicked, and encouraging believers to trust in God's ultimate justice rather than fretting over the prosperity of evildoers.

Context

Psalm 37 is an alphabetic acrostic psalm that serves as a theological reflection on the problem of evil and suffering. Throughout the psalm, David consistently advises patience and trust in God's timing, urging readers not to be agitated or envious when the wicked seem to prosper. The opening admonition, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers," sets the tone for the entire chapter. Verse 14 specifically illustrates the active malevolence that righteous individuals and the vulnerable often face in a fallen world, highlighting the urgency of God's intervention.

Key Themes

  • Aggression of the Wicked: The imagery of "drawn out the sword" and "bent their bow" depicts a deliberate, prepared, and active hostility. It's not passive evil but a calculated effort to inflict harm.
  • Targets of Malice: The wicked specifically target "the poor and needy" (the economically vulnerable) and "such as be of upright conversation" (those who live righteously and with integrity). This reveals their disregard for both human dignity and divine law.
  • The Reality of Conflict: This verse underscores the ongoing spiritual and ethical conflict between good and evil, where those who choose a path of righteousness often face opposition and persecution from those who oppose God's ways.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow" uses vivid military metaphors to convey the wicked's readiness for violence and oppression. These are instruments of war, signifying a deliberate and aggressive stance. The phrase "upright conversation" is particularly insightful. In biblical English, "conversation" (from the Latin conversatio) refers to one's entire conduct, manner of life, or behavior, not merely verbal communication. The Hebrew word behind it, derekh (דרך), often translated "way" or "path," emphasizes a consistent moral walk and a life characterized by integrity and conformity to God's standards. Thus, the wicked seek to destroy not just the physically vulnerable but also those whose lives exemplify righteousness.

Significance & Application

For believers today, Psalms 37:14 offers several profound applications:

  • Validation of Experience: It acknowledges the painful reality that those who seek to live righteously or are economically disadvantaged often become targets of oppression and injustice. It assures us that God is aware of this suffering.
  • Trust in Divine Justice: While the verse paints a grim picture of wicked intentions, the broader context of Psalm 37 reassures believers that God will ultimately intervene. The psalm promises that the wicked will be cut off, while the righteous will inherit the land. This points to the ultimate triumph of God's justice.
  • Call to Perseverance: For those who face persecution or opposition because of their faith and righteous living, this verse encourages steadfastness. The New Testament similarly teaches that all who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
  • Compassion and Advocacy: The targeting of the "poor and needy" serves as a timeless reminder of the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and to stand against injustice, echoing commands found in verses like Proverbs 22:22-23.

Ultimately, this verse, within its psalm, teaches that while the wicked may scheme and act with malice, their efforts are futile in the long run against God's sovereign plan and His protection over His people.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 29:27 (6 votes)

    ¶ An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked.

  • 1 John 3:12 (3 votes)

    Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

  • Psalms 11:2 (3 votes)

    For, lo, the wicked bend [their] bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

  • 1 Samuel 24:17 (2 votes)

    And he said to David, Thou [art] more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

  • Matthew 23:30 (2 votes)

    And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

  • Matthew 23:34 (2 votes)

    Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city:

  • Psalms 64:2 (2 votes)

    Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: