they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that true satisfaction isn't about outward plenty, but an inner sustenance from God, even when external circumstances are dire like famine. This divine provision ensures those who trust Him won't face ultimate shame or emptiness, regardless of the hardships they endure.
they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a wise exhortation from David, encouraging believers not to envy or fret over the temporary prosperity of the wicked. He contrasts their fleeting success with the lasting security and inheritance of those who trust in the Lord, emphasizing that a righteous person's meager possessions are ultimately more valuable than the abundance of the ungodly. The passage assures that even in times of hardship like famine or calamity, the faithful will be sustained and not ultimately disgraced, because God upholds them.
When times get tough, and resources dwindle, where do you find your security? This verse offers a profound perspective on provision.
Even in the direst circumstances, like a famine, the righteous experience a unique kind of satisfaction. This isn't about having more than others in a worldly sense, but about a deeper fulfillment that transcends material lack.
God's Unseen Economy
Adversity often brings doubt and shame. But what if there's a reason the faithful can stand firm, even when everything else crumbles?
The phrase 'they are not put to shame in evil times' speaks volumes about the enduring hope and integrity of those who trust in God.
Confidence in God's Care
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Understand the original words
bosh · Hebrew Verb
To experience deep humiliation or disgrace, often as a result of failure or rejection. Biblically, those who trust in the Lord are promised that they will not ultimately suffer the shame associated with being abandoned or defeated.
This psalm was likely written during or after the Babylonian exile, a period of immense suffering and uncertainty. The 'evil times' and 'days of famine' refer to the harsh realities of exile and the hardship faced by those who remained in a devastated homeland, offering a message of enduring hope and divine provision amidst profound national crisis.
c. 700 BC - 500 BC
Assyrian and Babylonian Empires Dominant
The Kingdom of Judah existed in a precarious position, often under the suzerainty of powerful Mesopotamian empires like Assyria and later Babylon. This era was marked by political instability, tribute demands, and the constant threat of invasion or deportation.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon begins his reign and conducts a deportation of Judean elites, including figures like Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and deport a large portion of the remaining population to Babylon. This event was a profound national and religious crisis for the Judean people.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, overthrows the Babylonian Empire. This shift in power eventually leads to the decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile Begins
The first wave of Jewish exiles returns to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel to begin rebuilding the Temple and the community.
This passage parallels Psalm 37:19 by promising deliverance from multiple troubles, stating Job will be rescued from six and even seven, highlighting God's protection during hardship.
Proverbs 10:3This proverb directly echoes the theme, stating 'The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked,' underscoring the assurance of provision for the faithful.
Matthew 6:25-34Jesus teaches not to worry about what you will eat or drink, as our Heavenly Father knows our needs. This offers a New Testament perspective on God's provision for those who seek His kingdom first, aligning with the psalm's message of satisfaction.
Philippians 4:11-13Paul shares his learned contentment in all circumstances, having plenty or going hungry. This passage shows a transformed inner state where sufficiency comes from Christ, even amidst physical lack, resonating with the psalm's assurance of being satisfied.
1 Peter 5:7This verse commands believers to cast all their anxieties on God because He cares for them, directly supporting the psalm's encouragement to trust in God during difficult times rather than succumbing to shame or want.
calvinPsalms 37:16-19: "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked."
Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many wicked. [31] 17. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; but Jehovah upholdeth the righteous. 18. Jehovah knoweth the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be everlasting. 19. They shall not be ashamed in the season of adversity; and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Better is the little of the right…
poolePsalms 37:19: "They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."
They shall not be ashamed, for the disappointment of their hopes, but their hopes and desires shall be satisfied, as it follows.
The verse highlights that true satisfaction isn't about outward plenty, but an inner sustenance from God, even when external circumstances are dire like famine. This divine provision ensures those who trust Him won't face ultimate shame or emptiness, regardless of the hardships they endure.
This psalm is a wise exhortation from David, encouraging believers not to envy or fret over the temporary prosperity of the wicked. He contrasts their fleeting success with the lasting security and inheritance of those who trust in the Lord, emphasizing that a righteous person's meager possessions are ultimately more valuable than the abundance of the ungodly. The passage assures that even in times of hardship like famine or calamity, the faithful will be sustained and not ultimately disgraced, because God upholds them.
This psalm is a wise exhortation from David, encouraging believers not to envy or fret over the temporary prosperity of the wicked. He contrasts their fleeting success with the lasting security and inheritance of those who trust in the Lord, emphasizing that a righteous person's meager possessions are ultimately more valuable than the abundance of the ungodly. The passage assures that even in times of hardship like famine or calamity, the faithful will be sustained and not ultimately disgraced, because God upholds them.
"they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance." — The verse highlights that true satisfaction isn't about outward plenty, but an inner sustenance from God, even when external circumstances are dire like famine. This divine provision ensures those wh…
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Last reviewed October 2026