Psalms 37:1

1 A Psalm of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.

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 A Psalm of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.