Psalms 37:19
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Psalms 37:19
“They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” The Psalmist continues the theme of divine provision for the righteous. “Ashamed” here implies public disgrace or exposure that could accompany adversity, while “evil time” and “famine” point to extreme circumstances. The promise is that God sustains those who trust him even when circumstances are harsh. In the social context, famine could threaten survival and social standing; the righteous, rather than shrinking away, are provided for by God. The verse paints a picture of God’s faithful care that transcends natural scarcity. The broader psalm emphasizes patient trust in God’s timing, suggesting that endurance, rather than revolt or self-reliance, is the path to nourishment and blessing.
Key themes include divine provision, faith under testing, and social/civic security promised to the righteous. God’s care is intimate and practical, ensuring that those who rely on him will not be put to shame in crisis.
Practical steps: (1) In times of financial or social pressure, lean into God in prayer and community support rather than panicking; (2) Budget, save, and seek honest work, trusting God to provide through legitimate means; (3) Encourage others who face scarcity, modeling generosity even in lean times; (4) Remember that God’s provision often comes through the ordinary means of family, church, work, and neighborly support.
Cross-References: Psalm 23:1-5; Psalm 34:9-10; Philippians 4:12-19; Luke 12:22-31