Psalms 37:8

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Psalms 37:8 in Other Translations

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.

8 Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, cool your pipes - it only makes things worse.

8 Refrain from anger and give up [your] rage; do not be agitated-it can only bring harm.

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 righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

9 For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

Cross References

• 1. Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8
• 2. ver 1