I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
The faithful see the world in chaos: the godless prosper while the pious suffer, which tempts us to think God either absent or indifferent. This psalm strengthens us against that very temptation by declaring their felicity cursed and fleeting, while God's care for His own never fails, even in calamity.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 37:1-40
A second time David turns to his diary, and this time in poetic imagery tells us of what he had observed. It were well if we too took notes of divine providences. I have seen the wicked in great power. The man was terrible to others, ruling with much authority, and carrying things with a high hand, a Caesar in might, a Croesus in wealth.
The psalmist's conclusion of this sermon (for that is the nature of this poem) is of the same purport with the whole, and inculcates the same things. I. The duty here pressed upon us is still the same (Psa 37:34): Wait on the Lord and keep his way.
Commenting on Psalm 37:34-40