What Does Psalm 37:17 Mean?
The meaning of Psalm 37:17 is that the power of the wicked will fail, but the Lord will always support those who follow Him. Evildoers may appear strong now, but their strength is temporary; God personally upholds the righteous, as Psalm 37:24 says, 'though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.'
Psalm 37:17
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.
Key Facts
Book
Author
David
Genre
Wisdom
Date
Approximately 1000 BC
Key People
Key Takeaways
- The wicked's strength fails, but God upholds the righteous.
- True security comes from trusting God, not human power.
- God actively supports those who live with integrity.
Context of Psalm 37:17
Psalm 37 is a wisdom poem that encourages trust in God, especially when it seems like evil people are winning.
It walks the reader through a steady reminder that the wicked may appear powerful now, but their time is short - like in verse 15, where their own violence backfires: 'Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.' Then comes verse 17: 'For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous,' showing that God actively supports those who follow Him while cutting off the strength of those who oppose Him.
This fits the whole psalm’s message: don’t worry when evil people rise, because God is in control and will set things right in His time.
The Power of Contrast: 'Arms Broken' vs. 'Upheld by the Lord'
Psalm 37:17 uses synthetic parallelism, where the second line repeats the first and adds a contrasting truth that deepens the message.
The image of the 'arms of the wicked being broken' refers to more than physical strength failing; it symbolizes the wicked’s power, plans, and influence collapsing. In contrast, 'the Lord upholds the righteous' paints a picture of personal, ongoing support, like someone being held steady by a strong hand. This contrast is reinforced earlier in verse 15: 'Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken,' showing that the wicked’s very weapons - what they rely on - will fail them.
God doesn’t just watch the righteous - He actively holds them up, even when life tries to knock them down.
The takeaway is simple: human strength built on evil is temporary and self-destructive, but divine support for those who trust God is constant and secure.
Practical Encouragement: Trusting God’s Steady Support
This verse is more than a warning to the wicked; it is a warm promise to anyone trying to do right by God.
When life feels unfair and evil seems strong, Psalm 37:17 reminds us that God actively holds up the righteous, as He did with Jesus, who trusted the Father completely even when falsely accused and crucified.
God doesn’t just watch the righteous - He actively holds them up, even when life tries to knock them down.
Because of this, we can keep doing good, knowing our strength comes from the Lord, not our circumstances.
Living Out God's Uplifting Promise
This assurance that 'the Lord upholds the righteous' applies beyond the psalmist; it is repeated throughout Scripture as a steady promise for everyday life.
For example, Psalm 37:24 says, 'though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand,' and Psalm 145:14 declares, 'The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down' - these aren't abstract ideas, but promises that can shape how we face stress, injustice, or failure with quiet courage and patience.
Because God holds us up, we can choose kindness when mistreated, keep going when we're tired, and trust Him even when progress seems slow.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I remember a season when a coworker took credit for my work, climbed the ladder quickly, and made it seem like integrity didn’t matter. I felt invisible and tempted to cut corners to get ahead. But meditating on Psalm 37:17 changed my perspective: their success was built on shaky ground, but my strength wasn’t in recognition - it was in the Lord. Over time, their influence crumbled under its own dishonesty, while I found peace and purpose by trusting God to uphold me. It reminded me that real strength isn’t in control, power, or applause - it’s in knowing the Lord holds me up, even when no one else notices.
Personal Reflection
- When have I relied on my own strength or schemes instead of trusting God to uphold me?
- In what area of my life am I tempted to envy someone who seems successful but lacks integrity?
- How can I show quiet confidence in God’s support today, even if it means going unnoticed or misunderstood?
A Challenge For You
This week, when you feel overlooked or tempted to compromise, pause and pray: 'Lord, uphold me.' Choose one act of kindness or integrity that no one will see - do it because you trust God sees you.
A Prayer of Response
Father, thank you that my strength doesn’t depend on how far I get or what others think. When I feel weak or overlooked, remind me that you uphold me. Help me trust you more than I trust my own efforts. Give me peace knowing that you see me, hold me, and will never let me fall. Amen.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Psalm 37:15
Shows the wicked's weapons failing, setting up the image of broken arms in verse 17.
Psalm 37:16
Contrasts the little of the righteous with the abundance of the wicked, leading into God's sustaining role.
Psalm 37:18
Affirms God's care for the blameless, continuing the theme of divine uphold.
Connections Across Scripture
Isaiah 40:31
Those who trust the Lord renew strength, reflecting His sustaining power for the righteous.
Matthew 5:5
Jesus echoes Psalm 37:11, affirming the meek inherit the earth.
Hebrews 13:5
God promises never to forsake His people, reinforcing His uphold of the righteous.