What Does Psalm 37:20 Mean?
The meaning of Psalm 37:20 is that the wicked may seem powerful now, but they will not last. Like smoke that rises and disappears, or grass that withers in the field, their glory fades quickly - just as Psalm 37:20 says, 'the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish - like smoke they vanish away.'
Psalm 37:20
But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish - like smoke they vanish away.
Key Facts
Book
Author
David
Genre
Wisdom
Date
Approximately 1000 BC
Key People
- The wicked
- The righteous
- The Lord
Key Themes
- The fleeting nature of wickedness
- Divine justice
- Trust in God's timing
- The contrast between the righteous and the wicked
Key Takeaways
- The wicked vanish like smoke - temporary and powerless in God’s sight.
- God sees injustice and will ultimately set all things right.
- True security comes from trusting God, not temporary earthly success.
The Fate of the Wicked in Psalm 37
Psalm 37 is all about trusting God even when life seems unfair, especially when the wicked appear to be thriving while the righteous struggle.
It teaches that while the wicked may look strong now, they won’t last - just like Psalm 37:20 says, 'the wicked will perish; the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish - like smoke they vanish away.' Their power is temporary, a quick puff that disappears, while those who trust God will inherit the land and enjoy lasting peace.
The Fleeting Glory of the Wicked
Psalm 37:20 uses vivid word pictures to show how quickly the wicked lose their power, comparing them first to the fading beauty of grass in the fields and then to smoke that quickly disappears into the air.
The phrase 'the glory of the pastures' refers to lush, green grass at its peak - but we all know how fast that withers when the sun beats down. Then the verse repeats the idea with stronger emphasis: 'like smoke they vanish away,' using a poetic technique where the second line deepens the first, helping us feel how completely and quietly the wicked fade. This is about vanishing without lasting significance, like mist that drifts away.
The takeaway is simple: don’t be fooled by the temporary success of those who oppose God, because their moment will pass as quickly as morning fog.
God's Justice and the Hope of the Righteous
The fate of the wicked reveals that God sees every injustice and will set things right in His time.
It shows that God is fair and protects those who trust Him, just as Jesus trusted the Father even when evil seemed to win. His resurrection proves that lasting victory belongs to God, not to those who oppose Him.
When Other Scriptures Echo the Same Warning
The idea that the wicked may flourish for a moment but will ultimately disappear isn’t unique to Psalm 37 - it’s a consistent message across Scripture.
Psalm 1:6 says plainly, 'the way of the wicked will perish,' showing that their path may look successful now but leads to ruin. Similarly, Malachi 4:1 warns, 'the day that is coming will burn them up like an oven,' painting a vivid picture of how completely God will deal with those who oppose Him.
When you face injustice or see someone thriving dishonestly, remember these verses and trust that God sees everything; like smoke that disappears, you can stay calm, knowing lasting power belongs to God alone.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I remember sitting in my car, watching a coworker pull up in a brand-new luxury SUV - the same person who lied to get ahead at work, cut corners, and mocked those who tried to do the right thing. In that moment, it stung. It felt unfair. But then I recalled Psalm 37:20: 'the enemies of the Lord are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish - like smoke they vanish away.' That image of smoke quietly disappearing gave me peace. I realized his success was temporary smoke, not solid ground. My frustration softened into quiet trust. Instead of losing sleep over injustice, I could rest, knowing God sees everything and will make things right in His time.
Personal Reflection
- When have I let the temporary success of others shake my trust in God’s justice?
- What areas of my life show that I’m more focused on immediate results than lasting faithfulness?
- How can I remind myself daily that true security comes from God, not from how things look right now?
A Challenge For You
This week, when you notice someone who seems to be getting ahead by doing wrong, pause and quietly pray Psalm 37:20 in your heart. Then, write down one way you can choose faithfulness over shortcuts - something small but real - like returning extra change, speaking kindly when ignored, or giving time to someone in need.
A Prayer of Response
Lord, when I see the wicked thriving, help me not to panic or envy. Remind me that their success is like smoke - here for a moment and then gone. Thank you that You are still in control, and that Your justice will stand forever. Help me to trust You more each day, and to live with courage, knowing that only what’s built on You will last.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Psalm 37:18-19
These verses contrast the enduring inheritance of the righteous with the temporary prosperity of the wicked, setting up the declaration of their doom in verse 20.
Psalm 37:21-22
Shows the immediate contrast: the wicked borrow and fail to repay, while the righteous are blessed and inherit the land.
Connections Across Scripture
Isaiah 40:6-8
All people are like grass that withers, reinforcing the fleeting nature of human glory seen in Psalm 37:20.
Proverbs 10:7
The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot - echoing their ultimate vanishing.
Matthew 6:19-20
Jesus teaches not to store up treasures on earth, which fade, unlike the lasting reward of the righteous.