What Does Psalm 37:11 Mean?
The meaning of Psalm 37:11 is that humble, trusting believers - rather than arrogant evildoers - will ultimately inherit God’s blessings and enjoy His peace. This verse echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:5 (‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth’) and contrasts with Psalm 37:9, which declares that evildoers will be cut off while the righteous remain.
Psalm 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
Key Facts
Book
Author
David
Genre
Wisdom
Date
Approximately 1000 BC
Key People
Key Takeaways
- God rewards humble trust with lasting peace and blessing.
- The meek win not by force but by faith.
- True peace comes from trusting God's timing and justice.
Context of Psalm 37:11
This verse is part of a wisdom psalm that reassures the faithful that, despite the temporary success of the wicked, God will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him.
Psalm 37 is an acrostic poem, structured so each section begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, giving it a deliberate, orderly flow that mirrors its message of divine justice. The phrase 'inherit the land' appears three times - first in verse 9 ('those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land'), again in verse 11 ('the meek shall inherit the land'), and finally in verse 29 ('the righteous shall inherit the land') - showing this is not accidental but a central theme woven into the psalm’s design. This repetition emphasizes that God’s people are called to patient trust, not envy or retaliation, because their lasting reward is secure.
The consistent promise of inheritance and peace ties directly to God’s covenant with His people, pointing forward to a future where humility and faith are honored, not crushed.
Meaning of 'Meek Shall Inherit the Land' and Its Poetic Design
Building on the psalm's promise of inheritance, verse 11 uses poetic balance to deepen our understanding of who receives God's blessing and what it looks like.
The line pairs 'the meek shall inherit the land' with 'and delight themselves in abundant peace' - a classic example of synthetic parallelism, where the second line adds to and enriches the first. This is about more than owning property. It concerns receiving a place and a peace that only God can give, echoing Isaiah 57:13, which says that those who trust in God 'shall possess the land' and 'shall inherit my holy mountain'.
The meek aren't weak - they're those who trust God enough to let go of grasping for power, knowing He will provide.
Jesus later quotes this verse in Matthew 5:5 during the Sermon on the Mount, showing that 'the land' points forward to God's coming kingdom where the humble - those who aren't self-reliant or proud - will finally be lifted up. The 'land' symbolizes more than real estate. In the Old Testament, it often stands for God's full blessing, security, and presence. Even though the wicked seem strong now (Psalm 37:35-36), the meek win in the end because they rely on God, not their own strength.
God's Character and the Meek: A Promise Rooted in His Faithfulness
This promise to the meek reveals God as a just and patient Father who lifts up the humble in His perfect timing.
He doesn't favor the loud, proud, or powerful, but those who quietly trust Him - even when evil seems to win. This reflects Jesus, who was meek and humble (Matthew 11:29) and yet claimed all authority. He trusted the Father completely, even to the cross, and now reigns in peace.
The meek inherit not because they earn it, but because God is faithful to those who trust Him.
This verse is more than advice. It offers a glimpse of God's heart: He defends the quiet trust of the lowly, just as Jesus did, and will fully restore all things in His kingdom.
How the Meek Live: Trusting God in Everyday Moments
This promise to the meek is more than future hope. It shapes how we live today, especially when we feel overlooked or wronged.
When someone takes credit for your work or speaks harshly to you, the meek response is to pause, pray, and choose kindness instead of fighting back - trusting God sees and will make things right. It looks like working faithfully even when no one notices, knowing the Lord upholds the righteous (Psalm 37:17) and that He brings forth our righteousness as light (Psalm 37:6).
Choosing not to retaliate when wronged, or to panic when others succeed unfairly, shows quiet trust in God’s promise.
Living this way brings a peace that makes sense only to those who believe God’s word - and it quietly points others to His goodness.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I remember a season when a coworker kept getting promoted ahead of me, even though I’d been there longer and worked equally hard. I felt overlooked, bitter, and tempted to complain or even undermine them. But Psalm 37:11 kept coming to mind - 'the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.' I realized my anger was not only about fairness. It was a lack of trust that God saw me and had good things ahead. So I started praying instead of stewing, serving quietly instead of scrambling for recognition. Over time, my heart changed. I wasn’t faking humility - I was actually finding peace, not because my circumstances changed right away, but because I believed God would honor faithfulness in His time. That peace was deeper than any promotion could give.
Personal Reflection
- When have I mistaken meekness for weakness, instead of seeing it as strength under God's control?
- In what area of my life am I tempted to 'fret' because someone else seems to be winning, and how can I trust God's promise instead?
- What's one practical way I can respond with quiet trust - rather than anger or envy - this week?
A Challenge For You
This week, when you feel overlooked or wronged, pause and pray: 'God, I trust You see me. Help me respond with kindness, not bitterness.' Then do one small, unseen act of faithfulness - such as encouraging someone quietly or completing a task with excellence that no one notices - because God sees.
A Prayer of Response
Lord, I admit I often want to fight for my rights or worry when others seem to get ahead. But Your Word says the meek inherit the land and delight in peace. Help me trust You like that. Give me courage to stay calm, keep doing good, and believe You’ll provide. Thank You that Your timing is perfect, and Your peace is better than any victory I could grab on my own. Amen.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Psalm 37:9
Prepares for verse 11 by promising inheritance to those who wait on the Lord.
Psalm 37:12
Contrasts the wicked’s hostility with God’s protection of the meek.
Connections Across Scripture
Matthew 5:5
Jesus quotes this promise, revealing the meek inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Isaiah 57:13
God assures the humble of inheritance and peace in His holy mountain.
James 3:13
Links meekness with wisdom from above, showing its enduring value.