What does Psalm 37:6 mean?

If we trust in the Lord (Psalm 37:3), delight in Him (Psalm 37:4), and give over our burdens to Him (Psalm 37:5), He will vindicate us (Romans 8:28–30). He will show the trusting believer's righteousness as clearly as brilliant light reveals everything it shines on (Romans 8:18). The believer's vindication will be as clear to everyone as the brightest time of day. Even if that victory must wait until judgment day (Revelation 6:9–11), it is still guaranteed (2 Peter 3:10).

In the book of Job, the title character spends most of the book getting bad advice from his "friends," one of whom is Zophar. Grossly misinterpreting what has happened, Zophar tells Job he needs to repent. That assumption is wrong—Job was innocent—but Zophar's conclusion about the end result of a righteous life is correct: "Your life will be brighter than the noonday, its darkness will be like the morning" (Job 11:17).

Isaiah 58:8 similarly associates a righteous life with light that breaks out like the dawn. Jesus also linked good works and light. He told His followers, "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14) and instructed them: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Mathew 5:16).