Psalms 37:35
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Main message
Psalm 37:35: The psalmist saw a violent wicked person spreading like a luxuriant native tree; visible strength and social success can be morally deceptive and should not be confused with divine approval.
Meaning in context
Psalm 37:35–40 · The end of arrogance; refuge in the LORD — Verses 35–40 recall the impressive but passing power of the wicked and close with the future, salvation, help, deliverance, and refuge of the righteous in the LORD.
The psalmist saw a violent wicked person spreading like a luxuriant native tree; visible strength and social success can be morally deceptive and should not be confused with divine approval.
Further teachings
The end of arrogance; refuge in the LORD
The psalmist saw a violent wicked person spreading like a luxuriant native tree; visible strength and social success can be morally deceptive and should not be confused with divine approval.
Cross References: Psalm 37:35 — Psalm 37:35–40.
Applications in daily life
- 1
Psalm 37:35
The psalmist saw a violent wicked person spreading like a luxuriant native tree; visible strength and social success can be morally deceptive and should not be confused with divine approval.
Visible power and success are not reliable proof of God’s approval or moral legitimacy.
Related Bible passages and resources
- Psalm 37 (full chapter)
Psalm 37 is an alphabetic wisdom psalm that teaches how to live when wrongdoers appear to flourish. It repeatedly turns the reader from envy, anger, and retaliation toward trust, doing good, patient waiting, generosity, and confidence that God sees the difference between violent injustice and faithful life. Its promises about land, provision, guidance, and deliverance belong to wisdom and covenant poetry and must not be turned into mechanical guarantees of wealth, property, health, or immediate safety. The ending places salvation and refuge in the LORD rather than in private vengeance or superiority over enemies.
- Psalm 37:34
Read the previous verse to preserve the movement.
- Psalm 37:36
Continue with the next verse to preserve the movement.
- Study the Book of Psalms
Keep this verse within Psalm 37’s wisdom contrast between temporary wrongdoing and a life of trust, justice, generosity, patience, and refuge in the LORD.
Common misreadings
Visible power and success are not reliable proof of God’s approval or moral legitimacy.
The psalmist saw a violent wicked person spreading like a luxuriant native tree; visible strength and social success can be morally deceptive and should not be confused with divine approval.
How to Apply Psalms 37:35
Study Psalms 37:35 in context by reading the surrounding passage in Psalms. Identify one person in your life who might be encouraged by this verse from Scripture. Share it with them and open a conversation rooted in Scripture — sometimes the most practical application is passing the Word along.
Sources & Method
Biblical text
Commentary anchored in the public-domain Psalm 37 text used by the site.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Reviewed on: