David, the author of Psalm 37 and King of Israel around 1010 to 970 BC, calls believers to exercise hopeful confidence in God when he declares, “Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” (v.3) This command encompasses both an internal attitude of trusting God’s sovereign care and an external expression of righteous behavior. “Doing good” is the outward demonstration of genuine faith that aligns a believer’s life with godly principles, reflecting humility and dependence on the Lord. Echoes of this call to trust can be found throughout Scripture, pointing toward the New Testament’s affirmation that believers are called to place their faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:1).
When David says to “Dwell in the land” (v.3), he speaks from the perspective of ancient Israel, referencing the covenant promise of physical territory given to God’s people. This land was central to Israel’s identity, serving as a sign of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with them. By remaining in that land, the Israelites were encouraged to rest in God’s provision and engage in the daily tasks that honored Him. Although we may no longer be called to a specific physical land in the same way ancient Israel was, believers today can apply the principle of dwelling in God’s presence—living faithfully where He has placed us and thriving under His protection.
The phrase “cultivate faithfulness” (v.3) suggests nurturing a consistent, growing trust in the Lord. Like a farmer patiently tending to a field, so faithful living requires regular care and intentional dedication. For Christians, this faithful living is tied to emulating Christ’s character in love, patience, and obedience (Galatians 5:22-23). We trust God for the outcome, steadily working to do good and display faithfulness, confident that God Himself is at work on our behalf (Romans 8:28).
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Psalms 37:3 meaning
David, the author of Psalm 37 and King of Israel around 1010 to 970 BC, calls believers to exercise hopeful confidence in God when he declares, “Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” (v.3) This command encompasses both an internal attitude of trusting God’s sovereign care and an external expression of righteous behavior. “Doing good” is the outward demonstration of genuine faith that aligns a believer’s life with godly principles, reflecting humility and dependence on the Lord. Echoes of this call to trust can be found throughout Scripture, pointing toward the New Testament’s affirmation that believers are called to place their faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:1).
When David says to “Dwell in the land” (v.3), he speaks from the perspective of ancient Israel, referencing the covenant promise of physical territory given to God’s people. This land was central to Israel’s identity, serving as a sign of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with them. By remaining in that land, the Israelites were encouraged to rest in God’s provision and engage in the daily tasks that honored Him. Although we may no longer be called to a specific physical land in the same way ancient Israel was, believers today can apply the principle of dwelling in God’s presence—living faithfully where He has placed us and thriving under His protection.
The phrase “cultivate faithfulness” (v.3) suggests nurturing a consistent, growing trust in the Lord. Like a farmer patiently tending to a field, so faithful living requires regular care and intentional dedication. For Christians, this faithful living is tied to emulating Christ’s character in love, patience, and obedience (Galatians 5:22-23). We trust God for the outcome, steadily working to do good and display faithfulness, confident that God Himself is at work on our behalf (Romans 8:28).