Psalms 37:1
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 37:1
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The Hebrew word for "fret" here suggests "inflaming yourself" or "burning with anger," pointing out that the real danger isn't seeing evildoers succeed, but how that sight can ignite a destructive fire within your own heart. It's not just about suppressing outward anger, but about guarding against the internal "burning" that envy and resentment can cause.
This Psalm opens with David addressing a common struggle: seeing wicked people seemingly succeed and get away with their wrongdoing. He urges the faithful not to let the temporary prosperity of evildoers cause them anxiety or stir up envy, because their success is fleeting and will ultimately lead to their downfall. The rest of the Psalm will unpack this further, contrasting the wicked's brief flourishing with the enduring inheritance of those who trust in the Lord.
Ever watch someone get ahead through shady dealings and feel a knot of anger or jealousy in your stomach? You're not alone. This verse speaks directly to that struggle.
Psalms 37:1 warns us against two specific emotional responses to the success of those who do wrong: 'fretting' and 'envying.' These aren't just mild feelings; they're powerful emotions that can consume us.
These feelings are natural, as the commentary notes, but they are also dangerous. They can lead us away from trusting God and even tempt us to imitate the wicked ourselves. The Psalm urges us to guard our hearts against these destructive emotions.
The wicked seem to be winning, but is that the whole story? This Psalm offers a radical perspective shift, inviting us to trust God's ultimate justice even when outward appearances suggest otherwise.
The core reason David tells us not to fret or envy the wicked is their temporary success. Their flourishing is like grass: vibrant for a moment, but destined to wither quickly.
Understand the original words
charah · Hebrew Verb
To burn with anger, heat, or passion; in this context, it refers to an agitation of heart or intense distress caused by observing the temporary success of the wicked.
mere'im · Hebrew Noun
People who habitually practice evil or violate the moral law of God; those who live in rebellion against the divine order.
qana' · Hebrew Verb
A feeling of resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or apparent prosperity; in a biblical context, it involves doubting God's justice.
This proverb directly echoes the warning in Psalms 37:1, cautioning against being envious of the violent or wrongdoer, emphasizing that their prosperity is not to be desired.
Galatians 5:17This passage describes the ongoing conflict between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit, highlighting that the 'flesh' often lusts for things that can lead to envy and discontent, mirroring the internal struggle warned against in Psalms 37:1.
Matthew 6:25-34Jesus teaches against anxiety and worry, urging believers to seek God's kingdom first, which directly addresses the root of 'fretting' and envy by trusting in God's provision rather than comparing oneself to others.
Psalm 73:2-3This psalm begins with a similar struggle to Psalms 37:1, where the psalmist admits his feet had nearly slipped because he was envious of the arrogant and the prosperity of the wicked, showing this is a common and deep-seated temptation.
1 Timothy 6:6-10Paul discusses the dangers of the love of money and the desire for wealth, which often fuels envy towards those who appear successful through worldly means, reinforcing the lesson that contentment in godliness is the true wealth.
calvinPsalms 37:1-6: "<<A Psalm of David.>> Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity."
- Fret not thyself because of the wicked, and be not envious at the workers of iniquity: 2. For they shall soon be cut down like grass; and they shall wither as the green and tender herb. 3. Put thy trust in Jehovah, and do good; dwell in the land, and be fed in truth, [or faithfully. [14] ] 4. And delight thyself in Jehovah, and he will give thee the desires o…
clarkePsalms 37:1: "A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity."
Fret not thyself because of evil doers - It is as foolish as it is wicked to repine or be envious at the prosperity of others. Whether they are godly or ungodly, it is God who is the dispenser of the bounty they enjoy; and, most assuredly, he has a right to do what he will with his own. To be envious in such a case, is to arraign the providence of God. And it is no sm…
The Hebrew word for "fret" here suggests "inflaming yourself" or "burning with anger," pointing out that the real danger isn't seeing evildoers succeed, but how that sight can ignite a destructive fire within your own heart. It's not just about suppressing outward anger, but about guarding against the internal "burning" that envy and resentment can cause.
This Psalm opens with David addressing a common struggle: seeing wicked people seemingly succeed and get away with their wrongdoing. He urges the faithful not to let the temporary prosperity of evildoers cause them anxiety or stir up envy, because their success is fleeting and will ultimately lead to their downfall. The rest of the Psalm will unpack this further, contrasting the wicked's brief flourishing with the enduring inheritance of those who trust in the Lord.
This Psalm opens with David addressing a common struggle: seeing wicked people seemingly succeed and get away with their wrongdoing. He urges the faithful not to let the temporary prosperity of evildoers cause them anxiety or stir up envy, because their success is fleeting and will ultimately lead to their downfall. The rest of the Psalm will unpack this further, contrasting the wicked's brief flourishing with the enduring inheritance of those who trust in the Lord.
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By recognizing that their success is temporary and that God is sovereign, we can release the urge to envy and find peace in His justice.
"Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!" — The Hebrew word for "fret" here suggests "inflaming yourself" or "burning with anger," pointing out that the real danger isn't seeing evildoers succeed, but how that sight can ignite a destructive fi…