Psalms 37:31
What does Psalms 37:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:31 means
This verse reveals the hidden source of the righteous person's stability and consistent ethical conduct: the internalized law of God. "The law of his God is in his heart" signifies more than mere intellectual knowledge; it means God's divine commands and principles are deeply embedded in their innermost being, influencing their thoughts, desires, and motivations. Because God's law is an internal guide rather than just an external rule, it provides profound spiritual stability. Consequently, "None of his steps shall slide" means they will not stumble or fall morally, implying a steady, secure walk in obedience, protected by God's guiding truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The law of his God is in his heart; he will never make a false step.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The law of his God <FI>is<Fi> his heart, His steps do not slide.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890the law of hisGod is in his heart; his goings shall not slide.
Context
Building on the description of the righteous person's wise and just speech in verse 30, this verse delves deeper to reveal the *source* of that integrity: the internalized law of God. It explains why their conduct is stable and pure. This deep internal grounding contrasts with the wicked's external malice, which is immediately addressed in the next verse, intensifying the conflict between the two groups.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 14:15
The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going.
- Psalms 44:18
Our heart is not turned back, Neither have our steps declined from thy way,
- Ezekiel 27:6
Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; they have made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the isles of Kittim.
- Psalms 121:3
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.
- Jeremiah 31:33
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
- Psalms 37:23
A man’s goings are established of Jehovah; And he delighteth in his way.
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