What does Psalm 37:19 mean?

David notes that the righteous will not be "put to shame." In context, this means they will not be abandoned by God, or disappointed in His response to their struggles. Scripture is realistic about pain and suffering, even for those who obey the Lord (Psalm 34:19; John 16:33). However, an eternal perspective helps us remember that all sin will one day be punished (Revelation 20:11–15), and everything which happens is part of God's sovereign will (Romans 8:28–30). Believers may experience pain (Psalm 37:24), but don't need to despair.

In contrast, those who hate God, and God's people, will suffer eternal loss. David wrote in Psalm 6:10: "All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment." Even in a time of famine the righteous will have enough to eat, David assures his readers in Psalm 37:19. When Naomi returned to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law Ruth, she had practically nothing, but the Lord used a wealthy farmer and relative, Boaz, to provide abundantly for them (Ruth 2). Jesus promised that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, everything we need will be supplied (Matthew 6:33).