Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist doesn't just tell us not to be upset; he uses a word that suggests we shouldn't let the wicked "inflame" or "heat" ourselves over their success. This isn't about suppressing anger, but about refusing to let their temporary prosperity become a source of internal fire that burns us up with frustration or envy.
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Psalm opens with David addressing a common struggle: seeing wicked people seemingly prosper while the righteous face hardship. He's not suggesting we ignore injustice, but rather urging us to guard our hearts against the corrosive emotions of anger and envy that arise when comparing our struggles to the apparent ease of evildoers. David promises that this initial frustration will give way to a deeper trust in God's justice and timing.
Ever see someone get ahead by cutting corners and feel a sting of resentment? This verse speaks directly to that feeling.
The verse warns against two powerful, related emotions: 'fretting' and 'envy.'
The Danger of 'Fretting'
The Trap of Envy
Why shouldn't we envy those who seem to get away with everything? This verse gives us the crucial reason: it’s all temporary.
The core encouragement in Psalm 37:1 hinges on understanding the true nature of the prosperity of evildoers. It’s not real, lasting success.
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A Temporary Bloom
God's Perspective vs. Ours
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 psalm was likely written during the monarchy, possibly by David himself, offering a timeless perspective on the apparent disparity between the fortunes of the wicked and the righteous. The recurring cycles of national prosperity, judgment, and exile in Israel's history would have provided a stark backdrop to the psalm's message, reinforcing the need for steadfast trust in God's ultimate justice.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King of Israel
David, the author of many psalms, ruled Israel during a period of relative stability but also faced internal strife and external threats, situations that likely fueled reflections on the prosperity of the wicked.
c. 970-931 BC
Solomon's Reign and Temple Building
David's son, Solomon, enjoyed immense prosperity and built the First Temple in Jerusalem. This era might have intensified the contrast between the godly and the seemingly fortunate but ungodly.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom (Israel)
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of its people. This event underscored the consequences of national unfaithfulness.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling many Judeans. This catastrophic event would have profoundly tested the faith of those who saw the wicked seemingly prosper while the righteous suffered.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus's Edict and Return from Exile
King Cyrus of Persia allowed the Judean exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marked a new phase of restoration but still involved significant challenges.
This proverb directly echoes Psalm 37:1 by commanding believers not to envy evildoers, highlighting the fleeting nature of their prosperity.
Galatians 5:17This passage speaks to the internal conflict between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit, which relates to the 'fretting' and 'envy' mentioned in Psalms, as these often stem from ungodly desires.
Luke 12:15Jesus warns against covetousness, a sentiment closely linked to envy, reminding us that true life does not consist in an abundance of possessions, contrasting with the outward prosperity of the wicked.
Psalm 73:2-3This psalm begins with the psalmist admitting his own near-stumble into the very sin David warns against in Psalm 37:1 – becoming envious of the wicked because of their seemingly easy and prosperous lives.
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 Psalmist doesn't just tell us not to be upset; he uses a word that suggests we shouldn't let the wicked "inflame" or "heat" ourselves over their success. This isn't about suppressing anger, but about refusing to let their temporary prosperity become a source of internal fire that burns us up with frustration or envy.
This Psalm opens with David addressing a common struggle: seeing wicked people seemingly prosper while the righteous face hardship. He's not suggesting we ignore injustice, but rather urging us to guard our hearts against the corrosive emotions of anger and envy that arise when comparing our struggles to the apparent ease of evildoers. David promises that this initial frustration will give way to a deeper trust in God's justice and timing.
This Psalm opens with David addressing a common struggle: seeing wicked people seemingly prosper while the righteous face hardship. He's not suggesting we ignore injustice, but rather urging us to guard our hearts against the corrosive emotions of anger and envy that arise when comparing our struggles to the apparent ease of evildoers. David promises that this initial frustration will give way to a deeper trust in God's justice and timing.
"Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!" — The Psalmist doesn't just tell us not to be upset; he uses a word that suggests we shouldn't let the wicked "inflame" or "heat" ourselves over their success. This isn't about suppressing anger, but…
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Last reviewed October 2026