Psalms 37:1

1 Do not be preoccupied with evildoers. Do not envy those who do wicked things.

Psalms 37:1 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 37:1

Fret not thyself because of evildoers
The saints may be grieved at them and for them, because of their evil doings, and may be angry with them for them; yet are not to show any undue warmth, at least in an indecent way, by calling them opprobrious names; for the words may be rendered, "do not show thyself warm" or "angry" F9: in a sinful way; or fret not at their outward prosperity, as it is explained ( Psalms 37:7 ) . The Targum adds, "to be like them", which agrees with ( Psalms 37:8 ) ;

neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity;
that is, at their present temporal happiness; see ( Psalms 73:3 ) . The Targum adds, as before, to be joined with them; which sense some parallel places seem to incline to, ( Proverbs 3:31 ) ( 23:17 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F9 (rxtt) "ne accendaris ira", Junius & Tremellius; "ne exardescas", Gejerus, Michaelis.

Psalms 37:1 In-Context

1 Do not be preoccupied with evildoers. Do not envy those who do wicked things.
2 They will quickly dry up like grass and wither away like green plants.
3 Trust the LORD, and do good things. Live in the land, and practice being faithful.
4 Be happy with the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Entrust your ways to the LORD. Trust him, and he will act [on your behalf].
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.