What does Psalm 37:10 mean?

David assures his readers that the wicked will not survive the Lord's judgment. Earlier verses warned against becoming agitated or vengeful over the apparent success of evil people (Psalm 37:1–2, 8–9). God's perspective is eternal, and that means no act of sin will go without punishment (Hebrews 4:13). Once we embrace the fact that earthly life is temporary and short (Psalm 90:12; James 4:14), there is no reason to get heated or jealous over evil people. God's judgment will come, and it will be perfect (Romans 12:19).

Jesus told the story of a rich farmer who was an unbeliever. He thought he could satisfy his soul with material goods, and he planned to build more barns to accommodate his bumper crop. He told his soul to take it easy, eat, drink, and be merry. However, he did not live to see the light of morning because God required his soul that night (Luke 12:16–21). Someday, the righteous will live forever with the Lord, but all the wicked will experience the lake of fire (John 14:1–3; Revelation 20:10–15).