Psalms 37:20 – “But the wicked will perish: Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.”

Psalm 37:20 emphasizes the ultimate fate of those who oppose God. While they may appear strong or successful for a time, their end is certain: they will perish. This verse assures believers that, in the end, wickedness will not last. God’s justice will prevail, and those who live in opposition to Him will not endure.

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse paints a picture of the temporary nature of the wicked. The phrase “the wicked will perish” is straightforward, indicating that those who live without regard for God will not last. The comparison to “flowers of the field” illustrates that, while the wicked may flourish for a time and appear beautiful or impressive, they are ultimately fragile and short-lived. Just as flowers bloom and fade, so too will the wicked be “consumed” and “go up in smoke,” symbolizing a final end with nothing left behind. This verse offers believers a perspective on God’s justice, reminding us that evil may appear to prosper temporarily, but its power is fleeting.

Historical Context

David, the writer of Psalm 37, was familiar with the apparent success of wicked individuals and nations. He lived in a time when Israel faced threats from surrounding nations that did not follow God’s ways. David himself encountered opposition from people who disregarded God’s laws. For the people of Israel, this verse reassured them that God would not ignore those who acted against Him and His people. Even when their enemies seemed powerful, Israel was reminded that God’s justice would prevail. This psalm encouraged the Israelites to stay faithful to God, knowing that He would ultimately bring judgment on those who opposed Him.

Theological Implications

Psalm 37:20 speaks to God’s justice and the transient nature of evil. This verse teaches that God is not indifferent to wrongdoing; He has a set plan to address and end it. Theologically, it affirms that God’s justice is complete and that no act of wickedness will go unaddressed. The verse also reveals the contrast between the enduring nature of God’s blessings for the righteous and the fleeting nature of success for those who reject Him. This reminder of God’s ultimate justice encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, trusting that God will address all wrongs in His timing.

Literary Analysis

Psalm 37:20 uses the imagery of “flowers of the field” and “smoke” to create a vivid picture of the temporary nature of the wicked. The comparison to flowers highlights the short-lived nature of their success and beauty. The phrase “go up in smoke” suggests a complete and final end, leaving nothing behind. This language reinforces the contrast between the apparent strength of the wicked and their inevitable downfall. The verse’s structure emphasizes the certainty of God’s judgment, using visual symbols to remind readers that while wickedness may seem strong for a time, it will ultimately disappear, leaving no trace.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

The message of Psalm 37:20 is echoed in other parts of Scripture:

• Psalm 73:18-19 – “Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!”
• Isaiah 40:6-8 – “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
• James 1:10-11 – “But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.”

These verses reinforce the theme that worldly success and power are temporary, while God’s truth and justice are eternal.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Psalm 37:20 is a reminder that while we may see people prosper through wrong means, their success is temporary. This verse encourages believers to focus on God’s eternal promises rather than being discouraged by the apparent power of those who oppose Him. It calls us to trust that God’s justice will be fulfilled, even when it may not seem immediate. This verse also reassures us that we don’t need to take matters into our own hands or worry about the success of those who do wrong. Instead, we can live faithfully, trusting that God will bring an end to all wickedness.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Psalm 37:20 reflects God’s love by affirming His commitment to justice. God’s love is not passive; He cares deeply about righteousness and is actively involved in bringing about justice. By promising that the wicked will “perish” and “go up in smoke,” God assures His people that He will not allow evil to prosper indefinitely. His love for His people includes His promise to protect them and to ultimately remove all that opposes Him. This verse reminds us that God’s justice flows from His love, ensuring that His people will one day live in peace without the threat of wickedness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus’ life and teachings align with the message of Psalm 37:20. Jesus often spoke about the temporary nature of worldly wealth and power, teaching that true security is found in God alone. In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus instructed His followers to store up treasures in heaven, where they cannot be destroyed, rather than focusing on earthly gains. Jesus also spoke about the coming judgment and the fate of those who reject God’s ways. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin and evil, ensuring that wickedness would ultimately be overcome. His victory over sin is the ultimate assurance that God’s justice will prevail and that all who oppose Him will face judgment.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Psalm 37:20 help you put the success of the wicked into perspective?
2. What does this verse teach you about the temporary nature of worldly power and success?
3. How can this verse encourage you to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God’s promises rather than earthly concerns?
4. How does Jesus’ victory over sin give you confidence that God’s justice will be fulfilled?
5. In what ways can you rest in God’s justice, knowing that He will handle all wrongs in His perfect timing?

Psalm 37:20 reminds us that God’s justice is certain and that the power of the wicked is only temporary. By focusing on God’s eternal truth and trusting in His promises, we can live with peace and confidence, knowing that He will bring an end to all evil. This verse calls us to place our hope in God rather than in temporary success, finding assurance in His love and justice. Through Jesus, we see the fulfillment of this promise, as His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate that God’s justice will ultimately prevail over all things.