In the English King James Version of the Bible, it begins: "O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath".

[6] Benjamin Weiss noted the "depth of misery into which the psalmist gradually plunges in his complaints, then the sudden grasp at the arm of mercy and omnipotence".

[10] John Calvin thought rather it was David's intent to commit to music to transmit what he had learnt through his life of the relationship he had with his Lord, before he died.

[15][16][17] Since reform of the Office of Readings after Vatican II, Psalm 37 is now recited during the liturgy of the hours on Friday in the second week of the four-weekly cycle of liturgical prayers.

[citation needed] In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the morning of the eighth day of the month,[18] as well as at Mattins on Ash Wednesday.