37:9-11 Perhaps the wicked were grabbing land that did not belong to them. David assured the people that the wicked would not succeed long. Those who submitted to God's authority would eventually possess the land He had promised them (cf. Matt. 5:5). The meek are those who choose the way of patient faith rather than self-assertion, as the preceding verses make clear.
37:12-22 The psalmist proceeded to give a basis for confidence in the assurance he had just given in verses 9-11. Five contrasts provide this security. The Lord, whose strength far exceeds that of the wicked, opposes them (vv. 12-13). The evil that the wicked do will come back on themselves (vv. 14-15). The Lord will sustain the righteous (vv. 16-17). The righteous are the special objects of God's careful attention (vv. 18-20). Finally, God will reward the unselfishness of the righteous but punish the selfishness of the wicked (vv. 21-22).
