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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/37-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/19_Psa_037_021.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 37:21 - Do Not Envy Those who Do Wrong" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/37-20.htm" title="Psalm 37:20">◄</a> Psalm 37:21 <a href="/psalms/37-22.htm" title="Psalm 37:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/37.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/37.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/37.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/37.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/37.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/37.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious <i>and</i> kind and gives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wicked person borrows and does not repay, but the righteous one is gracious and giving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wicked man borrows and does not repay, but the righteous one is gracious and giving. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/37.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; But the righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />An evil person borrows and never pays back; a good person is generous and never stops giving. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/37.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A wicked person borrows, but he does not repay. A righteous person is generous and giving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/37.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The wicked borrow and never pay back, but good people are generous with their gifts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/37.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked borrow but never pay back; but the righteous are generous and give.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/37.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Evil men borrow, but do not repay their debt, but the godly show compassion and are generous. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The wicked borrow, and do not pay back, but the righteous give generously.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/37.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The wicked borrow, and don’t pay back, but the righteous give generously. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked is borrowing and does not repay, "" And the righteous is gracious and giving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The wicked is borrowing and repayeth not, And the righteous is gracious and giving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The unjust one borrowed and he will not repay: and the just one compassionated, and gave.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/37.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The sinner shall borrow, and not pay again; but the just sheweth mercy and shall give. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 36:21>The sinner will lend and not release, but the just one shows compassion and donates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/37.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The wicked one borrows but does not repay; the righteous one is generous and gives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked borrow, and do not pay back, but the righteous are generous and keep giving;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The wicked borrows, and pays not again; but the righteous shows mercy, and gives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The wicked borrows and does not repay and the righteous shows mercy and gives.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The wicked borroweth, and payeth not; But the righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The sinner borrows, and will not pay again: but the righteous has compassion, and gives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/37-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=4247" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm">Do Not Envy Those who Do Wrong</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">The wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/3867.htm" title="3867: lō·weh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to twine, i.e. to unite, to remain; also to borrow or To lend.">borrow</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7999.htm" title="7999: yə·šal·lêm (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to be safe; figuratively, to be completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate.">repay,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: wə·ṣad·dîq (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">but the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/2603.htm" title="2603: ḥō·w·nên (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore.">are gracious</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wə·nō·w·ṯên (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and giving.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Surely those He blesses will inherit the land, but the cursed will be destroyed.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Proverbs 22:7</a></span><br />The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8</a></span><br />Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Matthew 5:42</a></span><br />Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-34.htm">Luke 6:34-35</a></span><br />And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. / But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-8</a></span><br />If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-15.htm">James 2:15-16</a></span><br />Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-6.htm">2 Corinthians 9:6-7</a></span><br />Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Proverbs 28:8</a></span><br />He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Exodus 22:25</a></span><br />If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-7.htm">Ezekiel 18:7-9</a></span><br />He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing. / He does not engage in usury or take excess interest, but he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between men. / He follows My statutes and faithfully keeps My ordinances. That man is righteous; surely he will live, declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Proverbs 11:24-25</a></span><br />One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. / A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-35.htm">Leviticus 25:35-37</a></span><br />Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. / Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. / You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a></span><br />In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The wicked borrows, and pays not again: but the righteous shows mercy, and gives.</p><p class="hdg">borroweth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/28-12.htm">Deuteronomy 28:12,43,44</a></b></br> The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1-5</a></b></br> Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/5-1.htm">Nehemiah 5:1-5</a></b></br> And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews… </p><p class="hdg">righteous</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/112-5.htm">Psalm 112:5,9</a></b></br> A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/15-9.htm">Deuteronomy 15:9-11</a></b></br> Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16-20</a></b></br> If I have withheld the poor from <i>their</i> desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/5-4.htm">Borrow</a> <a href="/exodus/22-14.htm">Borrows</a> <a href="/psalms/31-23.htm">Dealeth</a> <a href="/exodus/35-5.htm">Generous</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/29-14.htm">Generously</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/psalms/31-9.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/judges/21-22.htm">Graciously</a> <a href="/psalms/36-10.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/psalms/26-10.htm">Money</a> <a href="/job/34-26.htm">Others</a> <a href="/psalms/35-12.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/psalms/35-12.htm">Repay</a> <a href="/psalms/31-23.htm">Repayeth</a> <a href="/psalms/37-17.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/19-2.htm">Sheweth</a> <a href="/psalms/19-2.htm">Showeth</a> <a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/psalms/37-18.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Borrow</a> <a href="/exodus/22-14.htm">Borrows</a> <a href="/psalms/37-26.htm">Dealeth</a> <a href="/psalms/37-26.htm">Generous</a> <a href="/psalms/112-5.htm">Generously</a> <a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/psalms/37-26.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/psalms/37-26.htm">Graciously</a> <a href="/psalms/37-26.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-35.htm">Money</a> <a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Others</a> <a href="/psalms/50-14.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/psalms/38-20.htm">Repay</a> <a href="/psalms/137-8.htm">Repayeth</a> <a href="/psalms/37-25.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/78-21.htm">Sheweth</a> <a href="/psalms/45-4.htm">Showeth</a> <a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/psalms/37-29.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/psalms/37-28.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 37</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">David persuades to patience and confidence in God, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">by the different estate of the godly and the wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In biblical times, lending and borrowing were common practices, often governed by laws found in the Torah, such as in <a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Exodus 22:25-27</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-11</a>. The failure to repay a debt was not only a financial issue but also a breach of trust and integrity. <a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Proverbs 22:7</a> states, "The borrower is slave to the lender," emphasizing the moral obligation to repay debts. The wicked's failure to repay reflects a deeper spiritual and moral deficiency, as they disregard the principles of justice and righteousness that are central to God's law.<p><b>but the righteous are gracious and giving</b><br>In contrast, the righteous are characterized by their generosity and willingness to give. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship and the call to care for others, as seen in passages like <a href="/proverbs/11-25.htm">Proverbs 11:25</a>, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." The righteous act in accordance with God's character, who is described as gracious and compassionate throughout Scripture (e.g., <a href="/psalms/145-8.htm">Psalm 145:8</a>). This generosity is not merely financial but extends to all aspects of life, embodying the love and selflessness that Jesus Christ exemplified. In the New Testament, <a href="/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7</a> encourages believers to give cheerfully, reinforcing the idea that righteousness is demonstrated through acts of kindness and generosity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>In the context of this Psalm, the wicked are those who live contrary to God's laws and principles. They are characterized by selfishness and a lack of integrity, as seen in their failure to repay what they borrow.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>These are individuals who live in accordance with God's will, demonstrating integrity, generosity, and a heart aligned with God's values.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm">Psalm 37</a>, King David, provides wisdom and guidance through this Psalm, contrasting the lives of the wicked and the righteous.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the Psalms were originally addressed, often facing challenges from surrounding nations and internal struggles with faithfulness to God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord</a></b><br>Central to the Psalm, God is portrayed as the ultimate judge who sees the actions of both the wicked and the righteous and rewards or punishes accordingly.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_financial_matters.htm">Integrity in Financial Matters</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to be responsible and trustworthy in our financial dealings. This includes repaying debts and being honest in all transactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_as_a_mark_of_righteousness.htm">Generosity as a Mark of Righteousness</a></b><br>The righteous are characterized by their willingness to give and help others. Generosity is a reflection of God's grace in our lives and a testimony to His provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>While the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, we can trust that God sees all and will ultimately bring justice. Our focus should be on living righteously and trusting in His timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_counter-culturally.htm">Living Counter-Culturally</a></b><br>In a world that often values self-interest, believers are called to live differently, showing grace and generosity even when it is not the norm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a></b><br>Our actions should reflect the character of God, who is gracious and giving. By doing so, we become a light to those around us and draw others to Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_37.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 37</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_bankruptcy.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on bankruptcy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_handling_debt.htm">What does the Bible say about handling debt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_wicked_people_prosper_despite_psalm_37_9.htm">How can Psalm 37:9 ('evildoers shall be cut off') be taken seriously when many wicked individuals throughout history have lived long and prosperous lives?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_37_29_contradict_history.htm">Does the promise in Psalm 37:29 ('the righteous shall inherit the land') contradict archaeological and historical evidence of righteous communities being displaced or conquered?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The wicked borroweth, and pay-eth not again</span>. The wicked man borrows with a light heart, though he may have no prospect of ever being able to repay. Living under God's curse (ver. 22), he is for the most part not able to repay; when he happens to be able, he is often not willing. <span class="cmt_word">But the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/112-5.htm">Psalm 112:5, 9</a>). The righteous has not often need to borrow (see <a href="/deuteronomy/15-6.htm">Deuteronomy 15:6</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/28-12.htm">Deuteronomy 28:12, 44</a>). Rather, he lends and gives freely. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/37-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֭שָׁע</span> <span class="translit">(rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">borrow</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹוֶ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(lō·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3867.htm">Strong's 3867: </a> </span><span class="str2">To twine, to unite, to remain, to borrow, to lend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and do not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">repay,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְשַׁלֵּ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(yə·šal·lêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7999.htm">Strong's 7999: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝צַדִּ֗יק</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are gracious</span><br /><span class="heb">חוֹנֵ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·w·nên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2603.htm">Strong's 2603: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and giving.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנוֹתֵֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nō·w·ṯên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/37-21.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrow and don't pay back (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/37-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 37:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 37:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/37-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 37:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 37:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>