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Psalm 37:23-24 KJV
Psalms · chapter 37 · verses 23–24
23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.Psalm 37:23-24 · King James Version
What Psalm 37:23-24 means
Steps, not the route — the ordering is close up. Then the psalm allows for falling, which is the honest part: though he fall. What's promised isn't that he stays upright but that he isn't utterly cast down. The difference is a hand under him.
Study note provided by TheWay Bible App, separate from the KJV text. Read the full chapter in context and compare interpretations. Report a correction.
Psalm 37:23-24 in context
21The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
22For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
Commentary
Cross references
- Proverbs 16:9
- Psalms 119:133
- Proverbs 4:26
- 1 Samuel 2:9
- Psalms 40:2
- Psalms 121:8
- Psalms 85:13
- Jeremiah 10:23
- Proverbs 24:16
- Psalms 145:14
- Psalms 94:18
- Micah 7:7-8
Key words (Strong's)
- delightethchâphêtsproperly, to incline toH2654 →
- upholdethçâmakto propH5564 →
- orderedkûwnproperly, to be erectH3559 →
- stepsmitsʻâda stepH4703 →
- LORDYᵉhôvâhJehovah, Jewish national name of GodH3068 →
- fallnâphalto fall, in a great variety of applicationsH5307 →
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These verses are much to the same purport with the foregoing verses of this psalm, for it is a subject worthy to be dwelt upon. Observe here, I. What is required of us as the way to our happiness, which we may learn both from the characters here laid down and from the directions here given.
— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on verses 21-33