Psalms 37:2
For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 37:2
For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse uses a vivid metaphor of grass and herbs to highlight the fleeting nature of the wicked's prosperity, but it's easy to miss the intensity of this imagery in a modern context. In ancient Near Eastern climates, vegetation would grow rapidly and then wither just as quickly under the intense sun, making it a powerful, relatable symbol of something that looks impressive but lasts only a short time.
This psalm is David’s response to seeing wicked people prosper while God’s people suffer. He begins by urging us not to be agitated by or envious of those who do wrong, offering the reason in this verse: their success is temporary, like grass that quickly wilts. David then pivots to counsel the faithful to trust in the Lord and do good, promising that they will ultimately dwell securely and be sustained.
Why does it seem like the wicked often get ahead, and what does this verse say about their success?
The psalm points to the temporary nature of the wicked's prosperity. Just as grass quickly sprouts and then fades, their success is not deeply rooted and will not last.
A Fleeting Fad
David starts Psalm 37 by telling us not to 'fret' or be 'envious.' Why is this so crucial, especially when looking at the wicked?
The psalm's opening command is a direct response to the unsettling sight of wicked people prospering. Allowing ourselves to fret or envy them is a dangerous spiritual path.
The Trap of Comparison
This passage directly echoes the imagery of grass and green herbs withering, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human glory and the enduring word of God, which speaks to the same theme of transience for the wicked.
Job 20:5-7This passage presents a similar idea, stating that the triumph of the wicked is short and their joy is momentary, directly paralleling the 'soon fade' and 'wither' sentiment of the psalm.
James 1:10-11This New Testament passage uses the same imagery of the grass withering to illustrate the transient nature of wealth and the downfall of those who pursue it, reinforcing the psalm's message about the impermanence of worldly prosperity for the ungodly.
Psalm 90:5-6This psalm describes humanity's life as fleeting, like grass that sprouts in the morning and withers by evening, powerfully reinforcing the metaphor used in Psalms 37:2 to describe the swift demise of the wicked.
1 Peter 1:24This verse quotes Isaiah 40:6-8 directly, applying the imagery of all flesh withering like grass to underscore the ephemeral nature of human existence and achievements, a concept central to understanding why the wicked's prosperity is temporary.
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…
ellicottPsalms 37:2: "For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb."
(2) For they . . . —This inevitable metaphor for the brevity of human life, made still more forcible in an Eastern clime where vegetation is so rapid both in growth and decay, and generally in the Bible applied, without distinction of good or bad, with a mournful sigh over human weakness, becomes here a source of comfort to the godly man. Green herb.—Literally, greenness of herbage.
The verse uses a vivid metaphor of grass and herbs to highlight the fleeting nature of the wicked's prosperity, but it's easy to miss the intensity of this imagery in a modern context. In ancient Near Eastern climates, vegetation would grow rapidly and then wither just as quickly under the intense sun, making it a powerful, relatable symbol of something that looks impressive but lasts only a short time.
This psalm is David’s response to seeing wicked people prosper while God’s people suffer. He begins by urging us not to be agitated by or envious of those who do wrong, offering the reason in this verse: their success is temporary, like grass that quickly wilts. David then pivots to counsel the faithful to trust in the Lord and do good, promising that they will ultimately dwell securely and be sustained.
This psalm is David’s response to seeing wicked people prosper while God’s people suffer. He begins by urging us not to be agitated by or envious of those who do wrong, offering the reason in this verse: their success is temporary, like grass that quickly wilts. David then pivots to counsel the faithful to trust in the Lord and do good, promising that they will ultimately dwell securely and be sustained.
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"For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb." — The verse uses a vivid metaphor of grass and herbs to highlight the fleeting nature of the wicked's prosperity, but it's easy to miss the intensity of this imagery in a modern context. In ancient Nea…