Psalms 37:8

8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Psalms 37:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 37:8

Cease from anger
Either at these wicked men who are so prosperous, or at God, who for the present suffers it; see ( Jonah 4:9 ) ( Proverbs 19:3 ) ;

and forsake wrath;
which is anger wrought up to a greater degree; and the rather to be shunned and avoided, as being very disagreeable to the character of a good man;

fret not thyself in any wise to do evil;
evil may be done by fretting at the prosperity of wicked men, or by imitating them, doing as they do, in hope of being prosperous as they are; from which the psalmist dissuades by reasons following.

Psalms 37:8 In-Context

6 He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

7 Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices.

8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret—it leads only to evil.

9 For the wicked shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there.