Psalms 37:25 - I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Psalms 37:25" mean?
Psalm 37:25 is a powerful statement about God's provision for the righteous. Let's break down what it means:
"I have been young, and now am old...": This indicates that the speaker (traditionally attributed to King David) is reflecting on a long life of observation and experience. He's not speaking hypothetically; he's basing his statement on what he has personally witnessed over many years.
"...yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken...": This is the core assertion. "Forsaken" means abandoned, deserted, or left in a hopeless situation. The psalmist is saying that throughout his life, despite seeing many ups and downs, he has never seen a truly righteous person ultimately abandoned by God and left to ruin. It doesn't mean they won't face trials or hardships (the Bible is clear that the righteous will suffer - see John 16:33), but it does mean that God will ultimately be faithful to them.
"...nor his children begging for bread.": This amplifies the previous point by focusing on the well-being of the righteous person's descendants. Even in times of famine or difficulty, the psalmist has never seen the children of righteous people reduced to utter destitution, forced to beg for basic sustenance. This suggests that God's blessing extends to the family line of those who live righteously.
Key Interpretations and Considerations:
It's a General Principle, Not an Absolute Guarantee: This verse expresses a general principle, not a rigid, unbreakable law. While the psalmist has personally never witnessed it, there might be instances where righteous people and their children face extreme hardship. The Bible contains stories of righteous people who endured great suffering (e.g., Job).
"Righteous" is Key: The promise hinges on genuine righteousness. It's not enough to claim to be righteous; the person must live a life that reflects God's character and commandments. This does not mean "perfect," but striving to live a life that honors God.
Focus on God's Character: Ultimately, the verse highlights God's faithfulness, love, and provision for those who trust in Him. It speaks to His commitment to care for His people.
"Begging" Implies a State of Destitution: The word "begging" paints a picture of extreme poverty and reliance on the charity of others. The psalmist is saying that he hasn't seen the children of the righteous reduced to such a desperate state.
The Importance of Context (Psalm 37): Reading the entire Psalm 37 provides more context. The psalm contrasts the prosperity of the wicked (which is fleeting) with the enduring blessing of the righteous. It encourages readers not to fret or be envious of evildoers but to trust in the Lord and do good.
In summary, Psalm 37:25 is a testament to God's promise to care for the righteous and their families. It's a reminder that even in difficult times, those who trust in God can be confident that He will not abandon them. It's a general principle based on the psalmist's personal observation, emphasizing God's faithfulness and provision, but not necessarily a guarantee against all hardship.
Psalms 37:25 - I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread.
What does "Psalms 37:25" mean?
Psalm 37:25 is a powerful statement about God's provision for the righteous. Let's break down what it means:
"I have been young, and now am old...": This indicates that the speaker (traditionally attributed to King David) is reflecting on a long life of observation and experience. He's not speaking hypothetically; he's basing his statement on what he has personally witnessed over many years.
"...yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken...": This is the core assertion. "Forsaken" means abandoned, deserted, or left in a hopeless situation. The psalmist is saying that throughout his life, despite seeing many ups and downs, he has never seen a truly righteous person ultimately abandoned by God and left to ruin. It doesn't mean they won't face trials or hardships (the Bible is clear that the righteous will suffer - see John 16:33), but it does mean that God will ultimately be faithful to them.
"...nor his children begging for bread.": This amplifies the previous point by focusing on the well-being of the righteous person's descendants. Even in times of famine or difficulty, the psalmist has never seen the children of righteous people reduced to utter destitution, forced to beg for basic sustenance. This suggests that God's blessing extends to the family line of those who live righteously.
Key Interpretations and Considerations:
It's a General Principle, Not an Absolute Guarantee: This verse expresses a general principle, not a rigid, unbreakable law. While the psalmist has personally never witnessed it, there might be instances where righteous people and their children face extreme hardship. The Bible contains stories of righteous people who endured great suffering (e.g., Job).
"Righteous" is Key: The promise hinges on genuine righteousness. It's not enough to claim to be righteous; the person must live a life that reflects God's character and commandments. This does not mean "perfect," but striving to live a life that honors God.
Focus on God's Character: Ultimately, the verse highlights God's faithfulness, love, and provision for those who trust in Him. It speaks to His commitment to care for His people.
"Begging" Implies a State of Destitution: The word "begging" paints a picture of extreme poverty and reliance on the charity of others. The psalmist is saying that he hasn't seen the children of the righteous reduced to such a desperate state.
The Importance of Context (Psalm 37): Reading the entire Psalm 37 provides more context. The psalm contrasts the prosperity of the wicked (which is fleeting) with the enduring blessing of the righteous. It encourages readers not to fret or be envious of evildoers but to trust in the Lord and do good.
In summary, Psalm 37:25 is a testament to God's promise to care for the righteous and their families. It's a reminder that even in difficult times, those who trust in God can be confident that He will not abandon them. It's a general principle based on the psalmist's personal observation, emphasizing God's faithfulness and provision, but not necessarily a guarantee against all hardship.