Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just tell us not to feel envious, but implies that this envy is often fueled by a misunderstanding of the wicked's "prosperity." What looks like success is actually a fleeting, deceptive flourishing, like grass that will soon wither, a truth often missed when we're caught up in our own struggles.
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Psalm, attributed to David, opens by directly addressing a common struggle: seeing wicked people prosper while the righteous suffer. It's a moment where faith is tested, as the apparent unfairness of life can tempt believers to grow resentful or even want to emulate the wrongdoers. The verses that follow will offer a profound perspective on why this outward success of the wicked is deceptive and ultimately fleeting, contrasting it with the lasting security and joy found in God.
Ever see someone get away with bad behavior and feel your stomach churn? It’s a common feeling, but the Bible warns us it’s a dangerous path.
David uses two powerful verbs here to describe an unhealthy emotional response to the success of evildoers: 'fret not' and 'be not envious.'
Don't 'Heat Up'
The word for 'fret not' literally means to 'heat up' or 'become inflamed.' It’s about letting your anger and frustration boil over when you see those who do wrong seeming to prosper. This isn't just a mild annoyance; it’s an internal combustion that can consume you.
Don't 'Burn with Jealousy'
'Be not envious' carries a similar intensity, suggesting a burning jealousy. It’s the feeling that others have it better, that their success is undeserved and unfair, and a secret wish that you were in their shoes. This envy often stems from a flawed perspective, where we focus on the immediate gain of the wicked instead of God’s ultimate justice.
Both 'fretting' and 'envying' distort our view of God’s character and His control over the world. They can lead us away from trusting Him and even tempt us to compromise our own integrity.
The prosperity of the wicked can look impressive, but the Bible paints a starkly different picture of its true nature.
The reason David urges us not to fret or envy the wicked is because their success is temporary and deceptive. Their flourishing is not a sign of God's favor, but a prelude to their downfall.
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Like Grass in the Field
The imagery used is powerful: they 'shall soon be cut down like grass' and 'wither as the green herb.' Think about how quickly grass grows and how easily it's cut down or withers under the sun. This highlights the fragility and short-lived nature of the wicked’s prosperity.
A False Measure of Blessing
Their temporary gain is not a sign of true blessing or divine approval. It can even be a trap, leading them further away from God. For us, focusing on their fleeting success distracts us from the enduring reality of God’s faithfulness and the lasting reward of righteousness.
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 verse echoes Psalm 37:1 by directly warning against becoming angry or envious when seeing the prosperity of the wicked, reinforcing the idea that their success is temporary.
Psalm 73:2-3This passage describes the very feelings that Psalm 37:1 addresses, detailing the psalmist's initial envy and struggle to understand why the wicked prosper while he suffers.
Galatians 5:21This New Testament passage lists 'envy' as one of the sinful desires of the flesh, directly correlating with the prohibition in Psalm 37:1 and highlighting its detrimental nature.
Matthew 6:33Jesus' teaching to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness' provides a positive counter-command to the fretfulness and envy of Psalm 37:1, offering an alternative focus on God's provision.
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 verse doesn't just tell us not to feel envious, but implies that this envy is often fueled by a misunderstanding of the wicked's "prosperity." What looks like success is actually a fleeting, deceptive flourishing, like grass that will soon wither, a truth often missed when we're caught up in our own struggles.
This Psalm, attributed to David, opens by directly addressing a common struggle: seeing wicked people prosper while the righteous suffer. It's a moment where faith is tested, as the apparent unfairness of life can tempt believers to grow resentful or even want to emulate the wrongdoers. The verses that follow will offer a profound perspective on why this outward success of the wicked is deceptive and ultimately fleeting, contrasting it with the lasting security and joy found in God.
This Psalm, attributed to David, opens by directly addressing a common struggle: seeing wicked people prosper while the righteous suffer. It's a moment where faith is tested, as the apparent unfairness of life can tempt believers to grow resentful or even want to emulate the wrongdoers. The verses that follow will offer a profound perspective on why this outward success of the wicked is deceptive and ultimately fleeting, contrasting it with the lasting security and joy found in God.
"Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb." — The verse doesn't just tell us not to feel envious, but implies that this envy is often fueled by a misunderstanding of the wicked's "prosperity." What looks like success is actually a fleeting, de…
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Last reviewed October 2026