Psalms 37:1
Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּתְחַ֥ר
Fret
H2734
תִּתְחַ֥ר
Fret
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
2 of 7
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
בַּמְּרֵעִ֑ים
not thyself because of evildoers
H7489
בַּמְּרֵעִ֑ים
not thyself because of evildoers
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תְּ֝קַנֵּ֗א
neither be thou envious
H7065
תְּ֝קַנֵּ֗א
neither be thou envious
Strong's:
H7065
Word #:
5 of 7
to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious
Cross References
Psalms 37:7Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.Proverbs 23:17Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.Proverbs 24:19Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;Proverbs 3:31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.Proverbs 24:1Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.Psalms 73:3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.Galatians 5:21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.Proverbs 19:3The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
Historical Context
David wrote this in his old age (v. 25), reflecting on a lifetime of observing God's justice. Ancient Israel's agrarian economy made sudden wealth dramatic, creating temptation to envy those prospering through wickedness.
Questions for Reflection
- What evildoers' success tempts you to fret or envy, and why?
- How does trusting God's timing change your perspective on apparent injustice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The imperative 'fret not' (Hebrew 'charah,' to burn with anger) opens this wisdom psalm addressing a perennial challenge: the prosperity of the wicked. The command prohibits both anxious agitation and envious resentment toward evildoers. Envy is particularly dangerous because it validates the wicked's apparent success, suggesting their way is superior. This psalm's acrostic structure (alphabetic) suggests comprehensive wisdom—from A to Z, God's justice will prevail, so fretting is both unnecessary and faithless.