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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 37:8 Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret--it can only bring harm.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/37-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/19_Psa_037_008.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 37:8 - Do Not Envy Those who Do Wrong" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret--it can only bring harm." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/37-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/37-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/37.htm">Chapter 37</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/37-7.htm" title="Psalm 37:7">◄</a> Psalm 37:8 <a href="/psalms/37-9.htm" title="Psalm 37:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/37.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/37.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/37.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/37.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/37.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—<i>it</i> only <i>causes</i> harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Cease from anger and abandon wrath; Do not get upset; <i>it leads</i> only to evildoing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/37.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret, <i>it leads</i> only to evildoing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; <i>it leads</i> only to evildoing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Cease from anger and abandon wrath; Do not fret; <i>it leads</i> only to evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/37.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/37.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Let go of anger, and leave rage behind. Do not be preoccupied. It only leads to evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/37.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/37.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Calm your anger and abandon wrath. Don't be angry— it only leads to evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/37.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not be angry and frustrated! Do not fret! That only leads to trouble! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret, it leads only to evildoing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/37.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret; it leads only to evildoing. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Desist from anger, and forsake fury, "" Do not fret yourself to only do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Desist from anger, and forsake fury, Fret not thyself only to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Desist from anger and forsake wrath: thou shalt not be angry only to do evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/37.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Cease from anger, and leave rage; have no emulation to do evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 36:8>Cease from wrath and leave behind rage. Do not choose to imitate the malicious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/37.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Refrain from anger; abandon wrath; do not be provoked; it brings only harm. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret—it leads only to evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not yourself in any wise to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Rest from anger and rest from passion and do not envy the evildoer.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself so as to do evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/37-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=4157" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm">Do Not Envy Those who Do Wrong</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7503.htm" title="7503: he·rep̄ (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- Sink, relax. A primitive root; to slacken.">Refrain</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: mê·’ap̄ (Prep:: N-ms) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">from anger</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: wa·‘ă·zōḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">and abandon</a> <a href="/hebrew/2534.htm" title="2534: ḥê·māh (N-fs) -- Heat, rage. Or chemac; from yacham; heat; figuratively, anger, poison.">wrath;</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2734.htm" title="2734: tiṯ·ḥar (V-Hitpael-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- To burn or be kindled with anger. A primitive root; to glow or grow warm; figuratively to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy.">fret—</a> <a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ- (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only.">it can only</a> <a href="/hebrew/7489.htm" title="7489: lə·hā·rê·a‘ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">bring harm.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></span><br />A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19-20</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31</a></span><br />Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a></span><br />But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:9</a></span><br />Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a></span><br />But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Proverbs 19:11</a></span><br />A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Proverbs 15:18</a></span><br />A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm">Proverbs 22:24-25</a></span><br />Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, / or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">1 Timothy 2:8</a></span><br />Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a></span><br />A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself in any wise to do evil.</p><p class="hdg">Cease</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/5-2.htm">Job 5:2</a></b></br> For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/18-4.htm">Job 18:4</a></b></br> He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> slow to wrath <i>is</i> of great understanding: but <i>he that is</i> hasty of spirit exalteth folly.</p><p class="hdg">fret</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/31-22.htm">Psalm 31:22</a></b></br> For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/73-15.htm">Psalm 73:15</a></b></br> If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend <i>against</i> the generation of thy children.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/116-11.htm">Psalm 116:11</a></b></br> I said in my haste, All men <i>are</i> liars.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/30-5.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/psalms/25-19.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/psalms/37-6.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/35-15.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/job/14-6.htm">Desist</a> <a href="/psalms/36-10.htm">End</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-39.htm">Evildoing</a> <a href="/job/35-8.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/job/31-27.htm">Feeling</a> <a href="/psalms/27-10.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Fret</a> <a href="/psalms/7-6.htm">Fury</a> <a href="/psalms/25-9.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/job/30-10.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/genesis/47-17.htm">Tendeth</a> <a href="/exodus/30-7.htm">Tends</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Way</a> <a href="/psalms/36-3.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/psalms/35-16.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/38-1.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/psalms/46-6.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/psalms/38-1.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/46-9.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/psalms/46-10.htm">Desist</a> <a href="/psalms/37-36.htm">End</a> <a href="/psalms/37-9.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Evildoing</a> <a href="/psalms/49-5.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/psalms/103-9.htm">Feeling</a> <a href="/psalms/37-28.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-19.htm">Fret</a> <a href="/psalms/38-1.htm">Fury</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-18.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/psalms/40-9.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-16.htm">Tendeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Tends</a> <a href="/psalms/42-11.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/psalms/37-27.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Way</a> <a href="/psalms/48-11.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 37</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">David persuades to patience and confidence in God, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">by the different estate of the godly and the wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/psalms/37.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Refrain from anger</b><br />The phrase "Refrain from anger" calls believers to exercise self-control and patience. The Hebrew root for "refrain" is "rapha," which means to let go or to relax. This suggests a conscious decision to release the grip of anger. Anger, in biblical terms, is often associated with a lack of trust in God's justice and timing. Historically, anger has led to destructive actions and broken relationships, both in biblical narratives and in the lives of believers. By refraining from anger, one aligns with the wisdom literature's call to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek peace.<p><b>and abandon wrath</b><br />"Abandon wrath" further emphasizes the need to forsake intense anger or rage. The Hebrew word for "abandon" is "azab," which means to leave or forsake. Wrath, in this context, is a deeper, more consuming form of anger that can lead to sin. Scripturally, wrath is often contrasted with God's righteous anger, which is just and measured. Believers are encouraged to abandon wrath because it can cloud judgment and lead to actions that are contrary to God's will. Historically, wrath has been the catalyst for many conflicts and divisions, both within the biblical narrative and in the broader history of the church.<p><b>do not fret</b><br />The phrase "do not fret" is a call to avoid worry or anxiety. The Hebrew word "charah" is used here, which can mean to burn or to be kindled with anger. In this context, it suggests an internal agitation or worry that can consume one's thoughts. Fretting is often a result of focusing on circumstances rather than trusting in God's provision and plan. The historical context of this psalm, likely written by David, reflects a time of personal and national turmoil, yet the call is to remain calm and trust in God's deliverance.<p><b>it can only bring harm</b><br />The concluding phrase "it can only bring harm" serves as a warning about the consequences of unchecked anger and worry. The Hebrew word for "harm" is "ra," which can mean evil or trouble. This suggests that anger and fretting not only disturb one's peace but can lead to actions that are harmful to oneself and others. Scripturally, the harm caused by anger is evident in accounts like Cain and Abel, where unchecked emotions led to tragic outcomes. The wisdom of this verse lies in its call to trust in God's justice and to seek peace, knowing that anger and worry can lead to destructive paths.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/37.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">In any wise to do evil . . .</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">only to do evil, i.e., </span>only evil can come of it. Comp. <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm" title="In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tends only to penury.">Proverbs 14:23</a>, "tendeth only to penury."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Cease from anger,</span> and forsake wrath; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> such anger and such wrath as the prosperity of the wicked calls forth. <span class="cmt_word">Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil;</span> rather, fret <span class="accented">not thyself</span>, <span class="accented">only to do evil.</span> No result could be looked for from the sort of "fretting" spoken of, but an evil one. If men will dwell unduly on the fact of the prosperity of the wicked, and brood upon it in their hearts, they will be apt, in the first instance, to envy the wicked, which is at once "to do evil;" and from this they will be naturally tempted to go on to an imitation of their wicked practices, which is to assimilate themselves altogether to the enemies of God, and to be guilty of practical apostasy (comp. <a href="/psalms/73-2.htm">Psalm 73:2</a>, "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well-nigh supped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked"). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/37-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Refrain</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶ֣רֶף</span> <span class="translit">(he·rep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7503.htm">Strong's 7503: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sink, relax</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from anger</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֭אַף</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’ap̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and abandon</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲזֹ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·zōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, relinquish, permit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wrath;</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵמָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥê·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2534.htm">Strong's 2534: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heat, anger, poison</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fret—</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּ֝תְחַ֗ר</span> <span class="translit">(tiṯ·ḥar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2734.htm">Strong's 2734: </a> </span><span class="str2">To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it can only</span><br /><span class="heb">אַךְ־</span> <span class="translit">(’aḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_389.htm">Strong's 389: </a> </span><span class="str2">A particle of affirmation, surely</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bring harm.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהָרֵֽעַ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hā·rê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7489.htm">Strong's 7489: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/37-8.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 37:8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/37-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 37:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 37:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/37-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 37:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 37:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>