Departing from evil and doing good leads to a blessed and enduring life.
“Depart from evil and do good, So you will abide forever.” (Psalm 37:27) This exhortation comes from a psalm traditionally attributed to David, who served as the second king of Israel from around 1010 to 970 BC. David witnessed many of life’s trials and twists firsthand, and he consistently encouraged his readers to choose a path of righteousness. Here, he implores the faithful to deliberately turn away from wrongdoing and practice what is good, anchoring their lives in the promise of enduring security under God’s watchful care. His words speak of an active commitment to moral living, suggesting that obedience to God cultivates a lasting hope.
When he says, “Depart from evil and do good” (Psalm 37:27), David underlines the importance of a decisive choice. This principle resonates throughout the Scriptures, with God frequently calling His people not only to reject wickedness but also to embrace what is holy and beneficial. This twofold command—turning from darkness to light, refusing sin while pursuing godliness—echoes in the New Testament where Jesus teaches the necessity to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,” a reminder that choosing the good is a lifelong pursuit (Matthew 6:33). Those who follow this path can rest in the assurance that they “will abide forever,” implying God’s sustaining power and long-term protection.
By emphasizing faithfulness and moral integrity, Psalm 37:27 reinforces the biblical narrative that those who trust in God’s ways will find firm footing under His loving authority. It suggests that walking in uprightness is not a fleeting principle but one that holds eternal implications and blessings for daily life.
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Psalms 37:27 meaning
“Depart from evil and do good, So you will abide forever.” (Psalm 37:27) This exhortation comes from a psalm traditionally attributed to David, who served as the second king of Israel from around 1010 to 970 BC. David witnessed many of life’s trials and twists firsthand, and he consistently encouraged his readers to choose a path of righteousness. Here, he implores the faithful to deliberately turn away from wrongdoing and practice what is good, anchoring their lives in the promise of enduring security under God’s watchful care. His words speak of an active commitment to moral living, suggesting that obedience to God cultivates a lasting hope.
When he says, “Depart from evil and do good” (Psalm 37:27), David underlines the importance of a decisive choice. This principle resonates throughout the Scriptures, with God frequently calling His people not only to reject wickedness but also to embrace what is holy and beneficial. This twofold command—turning from darkness to light, refusing sin while pursuing godliness—echoes in the New Testament where Jesus teaches the necessity to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,” a reminder that choosing the good is a lifelong pursuit (Matthew 6:33). Those who follow this path can rest in the assurance that they “will abide forever,” implying God’s sustaining power and long-term protection.
By emphasizing faithfulness and moral integrity, Psalm 37:27 reinforces the biblical narrative that those who trust in God’s ways will find firm footing under His loving authority. It suggests that walking in uprightness is not a fleeting principle but one that holds eternal implications and blessings for daily life.