Psalms 37:21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
Original Language Analysis
לוֶֹ֣ה
borroweth
H3867
לוֶֹ֣ה
borroweth
Strong's:
H3867
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
רָ֭שָׁע
The wicked
H7563
רָ֭שָׁע
The wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 7
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְשַׁלֵּ֑ם
and payeth not again
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּ֑ם
and payeth not again
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
4 of 7
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
Cross References
Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.Psalms 112:5A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.Proverbs 22:7The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.Psalms 112:9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.Deuteronomy 28:12The 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.Luke 6:30Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
Historical Context
Written during Israel's monarchy (likely David's later years), when economic disparity and debt slavery were pressing issues. The Torah's sabbatical year provisions (Deuteronomy 15:1-11) provided institutional release from debt, making failure to repay a willful moral choice, not merely economic hardship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your financial integrity—keeping commitments, paying debts, generosity—reflect your spiritual character?
- In what ways might you be 'borrowing' from others (time, trust, resources) without 'repaying' through reciprocal kindness and reliability?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again (רָשָׁע לֹוֶה וְלֹא יְשַׁלֵּם, rasha loveh v'lo yeshalem)—the Hebrew captures persistent dishonesty: borrowing with no intent to repay reflects covenant-breaking character. In contrast, the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth (צַדִּיק חוֹנֵן וְנוֹתֵן, tsaddiq chonen v'noten)—the righteous demonstrates chen (grace/favor) through generosity. This verse exposes economic ethics as spiritual fruit: wickedness exploits relationships for selfish gain, while righteousness creates a culture of grace. Paul's command "owe no man any thing, but to love one another" (Romans 13:8) echoes this principle.
The contrast isn't merely financial but reflects heart orientation: the wicked takes and hoards, the righteous blesses and shares. This verse demolishes any notion that material success indicates divine favor—generosity, not accumulation, marks God's people.