Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 37:23
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
NIV · New International Version
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;
WEB · World English Bible
A man’s steps are established by the LORD. He delights in his way.
What does Psalms 37:23 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,.... Or "of a man" (w); such a man as is blessed of the Lord; the steps which he takes in life are ordered by the Lord, both with respect to things temporal and spiritual: his good conduct is not of himself, it is a blessing of the Lord, who directs and keeps the feet of his saints, and inclines them to take such steps, and pursue such methods, which he succeeds and prospers; and he delighteth in his way; which he knows and approves of, guides and directs him in; see Psalm 1:6. (w) "hominis", Pagninus, Montanus, &c.
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Psalms 37:21–33
That God will direct and dispose of our actions and affairs so as may be most for his glory (Psa 37:23): The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. By his grace and Holy Spirit he directs the thoughts, affections, and designs of good men. He has all hearts in his hand, but theirs by their own consent. By his providence he overrules the events that concern them, so as to make their way plain before them, both what they should do and what they may expect.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 37:23–26
23. The footsteps of a man are directed by Jehovah, and he will delight [or, take pleasure] in his way. 24. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for Jehovah upholdeth him with his hand. 25. I have been young, I am also become old; and yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. 26.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 37:20–26 (WEB)
20But the wicked shall perish. The enemies of the LORD shall be like the beauty of the fields. They will vanish— vanish like smoke. 21The wicked borrow, and don’t pay back, but the righteous give generously. 22For such as are blessed by him shall inherit the land. Those who are cursed by him shall be cut off. 23A man’s steps are established by the LORD. He delights in his way. 24Though he stumble, he shall not fall, for the LORD holds him up with his hand. 25I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread. 26All day long he deals graciously, and lends. His offspring is blessed.
Cross references
- Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
- Psalms 119:133
- Proverbs 4:26
Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established.
- 1 Samuel 2:9
He will keep the feet of his holy ones, but the wicked will be put to silence in darkness; for no man will prevail by strength.
- Psalms 40:2
- Psalms 121:8
- Psalms 85:13
- Jeremiah 10:23
LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself. It is not in man who walks to direct his steps.