For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that the wicked's prosperity is fleeting, like grass that's cut down and withers, highlighting that their "success" isn't permanent. This imagery is particularly potent in the hot climate of the East, where vegetation can dry up incredibly quickly. This means their temporary flourishing is a poor reason to envy them or grow bitter.
For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm begins with advice to the faithful not to be disturbed by the temporary prosperity of the wicked, nor to envy them. This verse provides the reason for that advice: the wicked's flourishing is brief, like grass that quickly wilts. The psalm goes on to contrast this fleeting success with the enduring inheritance promised to those who trust in God and do good.
Ever notice how quickly some things fade, even when they look vibrant for a moment? This verse paints a vivid picture of that reality for the wicked.
The psalmist uses the image of grass and green herbs to illustrate the temporary nature of the wicked's success.
Rapid Ruin
In the hot, dry climate of the ancient Near East, vegetation could flourish remarkably after rain, only to be scorched and destroyed just as rapidly. This metaphor highlights that the prosperity of the wicked, which might seem impressive and enduring to us, is actually fragile and destined for a swift end.
We often get caught up in the 'now,' but God sees things from an eternal perspective. This verse reminds us of that crucial difference.
The seeming success of the wicked can be deeply troubling, especially when we feel we are doing right and seeing little reward.
God's Timeline vs. Ours
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The instruction in Psalm 37 is not to ignore the wicked, but to reframe our perspective. Their flourishing is temporary; God's justice and the endurance of the righteous are everlasting. This understanding is key to not 'fretting' or becoming envious.
This verse also uses the imagery of vegetation rapidly fading to describe the brevity and frailty of human life, reinforcing the temporary nature of the wicked's prosperity mentioned in Psalms 37:2.
Isaiah 40:7This passage directly parallels the idea of green plants withering in the sun to illustrate the fleeting nature of human glory and life, echoing the transient state of the wicked.
James 1:10James uses the same metaphor of green grass withering to highlight the impermanence of wealth and the vanity of worldly riches, underscoring why one should not envy the wicked.
1 Peter 1:24This verse quotes Isaiah 40:6-7, directly linking human flesh to withering grass, thus emphasizing the mortality and temporary existence of those who do not live according to God's ways.
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 emphasizes that the wicked's prosperity is fleeting, like grass that's cut down and withers, highlighting that their "success" isn't permanent. This imagery is particularly potent in the hot climate of the East, where vegetation can dry up incredibly quickly. This means their temporary flourishing is a poor reason to envy them or grow bitter.
The psalm begins with advice to the faithful not to be disturbed by the temporary prosperity of the wicked, nor to envy them. This verse provides the reason for that advice: the wicked's flourishing is brief, like grass that quickly wilts. The psalm goes on to contrast this fleeting success with the enduring inheritance promised to those who trust in God and do good.
The psalm begins with advice to the faithful not to be disturbed by the temporary prosperity of the wicked, nor to envy them. This verse provides the reason for that advice: the wicked's flourishing is brief, like grass that quickly wilts. The psalm goes on to contrast this fleeting success with the enduring inheritance promised to those who trust in God and do good.
"For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb." — The verse emphasizes that the wicked's prosperity is fleeting, like grass that's cut down and withers, highlighting that their "success" isn't permanent. This imagery is particularly potent in the ho…
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Last reviewed October 2026