Psalm 37:37 - Do Not Envy Those who Do Wrong

Consider the blameless
The term "blameless" in this context refers to a person who lives a life of integrity and righteousness. Biblically, blamelessness is often associated with figures like Noah (Genesis 6:9) and Job (Job 1:1), who were described as righteous and upright in their generations. The Hebrew word used here can also imply completeness or wholeness, suggesting a life fully devoted to God. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, being blameless was not about sinless perfection but about a sincere commitment to God's laws and a lifestyle that reflects His character.

and observe the upright
The "upright" are those who live in accordance with God's standards, demonstrating honesty, fairness, and moral integrity. This phrase encourages believers to pay attention to such individuals, as their lives serve as examples of godly living. The upright are often contrasted with the wicked throughout the Psalms, highlighting the blessings and favor that come from living a life aligned with God's will. Proverbs 11:3 also emphasizes the guidance and security that come from uprightness.

for posterity awaits the man of peace
"Posterity" here refers to the future or the enduring legacy of a person. The "man of peace" is one who seeks harmony and reconciliation, embodying the peace that comes from a right relationship with God. This phrase suggests that those who live peacefully and righteously will have a lasting impact, both in their own lives and in the lives of future generations. In biblical prophecy, peace is a key characteristic of the Messianic kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7), and Jesus Christ is often referred to as the Prince of Peace, fulfilling this ideal. The promise of posterity for the man of peace aligns with the biblical principle that righteousness leads to enduring blessings, as seen in the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:2-3).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Blameless and Upright
These are individuals who live in accordance with God's laws and maintain integrity in their actions and thoughts. In the Hebrew text, "blameless" is derived from the word (tamim), meaning complete or perfect, and "upright" from (yashar), meaning straight or right.

2. The Man of Peace
This refers to a person who seeks and promotes peace, both in their personal life and in their community. The Hebrew word for peace, (shalom), encompasses completeness, welfare, and harmony.

3. Posterity
This term indicates the future generations or legacy that follows a person. The Hebrew word (acharit) can mean end, outcome, or future, suggesting the lasting impact of a person's life.

Teaching Points

The Call to Integrity
Living a blameless and upright life is a call to integrity, aligning our actions with God's standards.

The Legacy of Peace
Pursuing peace is not only beneficial for the present but also leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.

Observing and Learning from the Righteous
We are encouraged to observe and learn from those who live upright lives, as their example can guide us in our own walk with God.

The Assurance of God's Promises
The promise of a future for the righteous provides assurance and hope, motivating us to remain steadfast in our faith.

The Impact of Our Choices
Our daily choices in living uprightly and seeking peace have eternal significance, affecting not only our lives but also those who come after us.

(37) For the end of that man is peace.--This is quite wrongly translated, since acharith must here mean, as in Psalm 109:13; Amos 4:2; Amos 9:1, "posterity." The parallelism decides in favour of this.

Mark the honest man, and behold the upright;

For a posterity (shall be) to the man of peace:

But transgressors are altogether destroyed,

The posterity of the wicked is destroyed.

So the LXX. and Vulg. . . .

Verse 37. - Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace. This translation is much disputed. Most ancients and many moderns render the first line, "Keep innocency, and observe uprightness," while some critics maintain that acharith in the second line must mean "posterity," and not "end." Others, again, join shalom to ish, and render, "There shall be posterity (or, a future) to the man of peace." However, the rendering of the Authorized Version is retained by our Revisers, and accepted in part by Hengstenberg and Dr. Kay, while it has the complete approval of Canon Cook. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Consider
שְׁמָר־ (šə·mār-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

the blameless
תָּ֭ם (tām)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8535: Complete, pious, gentle, dear

and observe
וּרְאֵ֣ה (ū·rə·’êh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

the upright,
יָשָׁ֑ר (yā·šār)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3477: Straight, right

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

a posterity [awaits]
אַחֲרִ֖ית (’a·ḥă·rîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 319: The last, end, the future, posterity

the man
לְאִ֣ישׁ (lə·’îš)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of peace.
שָׁלֽוֹם׃ (šā·lō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

Links

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Psalm 37:37 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 37:37 Mark the perfect man and see (Psalm Ps Psa.)