Psalms 37:13
The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
Psalms 37:13 (KJV)
Context
Psalms 37 is a wisdom psalm written by David. It teaches God’s people how to live faithfully while the wicked seem to prosper. The psalm contrasts the destiny of the wicked with the destiny of the righteous. Verse 13 follows a description of the wicked plotting against the righteous, and it shows God’s response to their schemes. The psalm repeatedly urges the righteous not to envy or worry about the success of evildoers, but to wait patiently for God’s vindication.
Meaning
“The Lord shall laugh at him” uses human language to describe God’s attitude. This is not joyful or mocking laughter. It is the laughter of sovereign confidence. God holds the wicked and their plans in derision because He knows their end. The word “him” points to the evildoer described earlier in the psalm. God confounds their schemes and disappoints their designs. This laughter is rooted in God’s perfect knowledge.
“For he seeth that his day is coming” explains the reason for God’s laughter. God sees the appointed time of the wicked man’s ruin. That day may be hidden from the wicked, but it is fully known to God. His judgment is certain, and it will come at the right moment. This day comes suddenly, as a thief in the night, and is known to the Lord alone. The wicked may not see their own end, but God sees it clearly and with certainty.
Biblical connections
Proverbs 1:26 shows a similar response, where wisdom laughs at calamity that comes upon the foolish. Proverbs 14:32 contrasts the end of the wicked with the hope of the righteous. These passages together confirm that God’s justice is real and that the wicked cannot escape it. The verse also carries a warning: the wicked, who seem so secure, are living on borrowed time. Their day is coming.
Application
Trust in God’s justice. When the wicked seem to succeed, remember that God sees their deeds and knows their future. He will act in His perfect time.
Avoid envy and frustration. Do not let the temporary success of evildoers disturb your peace. Leave judgment to God and focus on living righteously.
Find hope in God’s faithfulness. Because God sees everything and controls all things, you can rest in the assurance that evil will not have the last word.
Reflection
God is not indifferent to evil, nor is He threatened by it. He sees the end from the beginning. The laughter of God is a divine assurance that justice will prevail. For the believer, this is a call to patience, faith, and confidence in God’s sovereign rule. The wicked may appear secure, but their day is coming. Therefore, do not take vengeance or become angry. Instead, wait on the Lord and continue in faithful obedience. This should sober the proud and encourage the oppressed.
