Psalms 37:20

Psalms 37:20

Psalm 37 sits in a block where David encourages trust in God rather than envy of the wicked. This verse contrasts the temporary, burning image of the wicked’s fate with the enduring reality of God’s judgment. In ancient Israel, “the fat of lambs” symbolized the most valuable, most pleasing portions offered in sacrifice—the fat being burned on the altar—representing something of high worth that ultimately goes up in smoke. The imagery of smoke consuming away conveys sudden, total, and visible loss. The verse also frames enemies of the LORD as a recognizable class whose end is destruction, aligning with biblical poetry’s pattern of contrasting the fate of the guilty with the reward of the righteous.

Culturally, ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature often uses vivid contrasts to teach moral order: the wicked may seem to prosper briefly, yet their downfall is inevitable before a holy God. The verse thus offers both warning and hope: judgment is certain for those who oppose God, while the righteous can endure because their life aligns with divine purposes.

The verse reinforces God’s sovereignty and the certainty of judgment. It communicates that wickedness is not only morally wrong but divinely ill-fated—the “enemies of the LORD” are not autonomous but under God’s watchful judgment. The “fat of lambs” imagery also points to sacrificial language, reminding readers that what is offered to God is consumed by His holiness, not preserved by human schemes. This verse upholds the biblical ethics of divine justice: the apparent success of the wicked is deceptive, and ultimate justice rests in God’s deliverance of the righteous and removal of the evil.

For today, this verse invites patience and trust in God’s timing. When we face injustice or observe the arrogant seemingly thriving, we can remember that God does not overlook oppression. It’s a prompt to avoid mirroring the wicked’s shortcuts for gain and to pursue integrity, knowing God cherishes honest worship and pure motives. Practically, this could mean choosing to be transparent in business, refusing deceptive practices, and protecting the vulnerable even when it costs us. It also offers comfort to those who feel overwhelmed by corruption in society; the imagery of smoke signals that shortcuts will fail and that truth, justice, and fidelity to God endure. Finally, it challenges us to redirect our energy toward righteousness rather than bitterness, trusting that God’s justice will prevail.

Cross-References: Psalm 73:18-19; Proverbs 11:4; Isaiah 34:8-9; Malachi 3:2-3; 2 Peter 3:9-10