NOTES for Psa 37
For many people, the worldly prosperity of a considerable number of sinners, purchased by the crimes and lawless deeds they have committed, seems to be an argument refuting what is written in the biblical texts. Such attitudes, as we can see, are not new and are mentioned in the Bible itself.
There is a fine line between bewilderment at evil going unpunished and the conclusion that, since earthly prosperity is achieved by sinful means, we should obtain it in the same way. It is no accident that the psalm begins precisely with the counsel not to envy those who practice lawlessness. Apparently, many people envied the success of sinners even in those times, just as they do today. That is why the psalmist never tires of repeating that all successes purchased by sin are temporary: sooner or later the wicked will perish, and their prosperity, attained with the help of evil, will turn to dust and bring no lasting benefit to its owners.
But those who trust in the Lord will not be left without His support. Whatever difficulties they may experience, their future is in the hands of the Lord, who is always near them, in sorrow and in joy. However much the lawless may rule on earth, the earth itself with all its gifts is not intended for them—the Lord has appointed it as the inheritance of the righteous.