Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
What does Psalms 37:4 mean?
When we look abroad we see the world full of evil-doers, that flourish and live in ease. So it was seen of old, therefore let us not marvel at the matter.
Key themes
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Commentary on Psalms 37:4
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Delight thyself also in the - Lord. The word rendered "delight" means properly to live delicately and effeminately; then, to be tender or delicate; then, to live a life of ease or pleasure; then, to find delight or pleasure in anything. The meaning here is, that we should seek our happiness in God - in his being, his perfections, his friendship, his love. And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart - literally, the "askings," or the "requests" of thy heart. What you really "desire" will be granted to you.
Key words
- Delight
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Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
- thyself
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Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
- LORD
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Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Context in Psalms 37
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Psalms 37 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as Book II. Psalms is the Bible’s great book of sung prayer, teaching the full range of faithful speech from anguish and repentance to jubilation and doxology. Read this chapter with the wider themes of prayer, praise, and lament in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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