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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 37:1 Do not fret over doers of evil; do not envy those who do wrong.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/37-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/19_Psa_037_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 37:1 - Do Not Envy Those who Do Wrong" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not fret over doers of evil; do not envy those who do wrong." /><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/37-1.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/37-1.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 1</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/36-12.htm" title="Psalm 36:12">◄</a> Psalm 37:1 <a href="/psalms/37-2.htm" title="Psalm 37:2">►</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 />Of David. Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/37.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/37.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/37.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/37.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Do not get upset because of evildoers, Do not be envious of wrongdoers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/37.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward doers of unrighteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Do not worry because of evildoers, Nor be envious toward wrongdoers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Davidic. Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/37.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, Neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't be annoyed by anyone who does wrong, and don't envy them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/37.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[By David.] Do not be preoccupied with evildoers. Do not envy those who do wicked things. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/37.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't be worried on account of the wicked; don't be jealous of those who do wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/37.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't be angry because of those who do evil, do not be jealous because of those who commit iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/37.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />By David. Do not fret when wicked men seem to succeed! Do not envy evildoers! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[By David.] Do not fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evil doers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/37.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By David. Don’t fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />BY DAVID. [ALEPH-BET] Do not fret because of evildoers, "" Do not be envious against doers of iniquity,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By David. Do not fret because of evil doers, Be not envious against doers of iniquity,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To David. Thou shalt not be angry at those doing evil, and thou shalt not envy those working iniquity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/37.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A psalm for David himself. Be not emulous of evildoers; nor envy them that work iniquity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 36:1>A Psalm of David himself. Do not choose to imitate the malicious; neither should you envy those who work iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/37.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Of David. Do not be provoked by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />FRET not because of evildoers, neither be envious of the workers of iniquity,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not emulate the wicked neither envy the workers of evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />[A Psalm] of David. Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, Neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, neither be envious of them that do iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/37-1.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=4106" 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">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Of David.</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 over</a> <a href="/hebrew/7489.htm" title="7489: bam·mə·rê·‘îm (Prep-b, Art:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">those who do evil;</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/7065.htm" title="7065: tə·qan·nê (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To be jealous or zealous. A primitive root; to be zealous, i.e. jealous or envious.">envy</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: bə·‘ō·śê (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">those who do</a> <a href="/hebrew/5766.htm" title="5766: ‘aw·lāh (N-fs) -- Injustice, unrighteousness. Or lavel; and lavlah; or owlah; or.olah; from aval; evil.">wrong.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.…<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/24-19.htm">Proverbs 24:19</a></span><br />Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31</a></span><br />Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17</a></span><br />Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Proverbs 24:1</a></span><br />Do not envy wicked men or desire their company;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3</a></span><br />For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-2.htm">Job 5:2</a></span><br />For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Proverbs 14:30</a></span><br />A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14-16</a></span><br />But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. / For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.<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="/galatians/5-26.htm">Galatians 5:26</a></span><br />Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:3</a></span><br />for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?<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="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44-45</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, / that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">1 John 3:12</a></span><br />Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be you envious against the workers of iniquity.</p><p class="hdg">(Title.</p><p class="hdg">Fret</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">1 Samuel 1:6-8</a></b></br> And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Proverbs 19:3</a></b></br> The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">neither</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3</a></b></br> For I was envious at the foolish, <i>when</i> I saw the prosperity of the wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31</a></b></br> Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-17.htm">Proverbs 23:17</a></b></br> Let not thine heart envy sinners: but <i>be thou</i> in the fear of the LORD all the day long.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/31-20.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/psalms/36-12.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/36-12.htm">Doers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-32.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/psalms/36-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/36-12.htm">Evildoers</a> <a href="/psalms/36-11.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">Fret</a> <a href="/psalms/36-12.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/36-12.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/romans/4-13.htm">sness</a> <a href="/psalms/35-23.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/job/36-23.htm">Unrighteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/36-11.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/psalms/33-4.htm">Work</a> <a href="/psalms/36-12.htm">Workers</a> <a href="/psalms/36-4.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/psalms/26-5.htm">Wrongdoers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/psalms/37-40.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/37-9.htm">Doers</a> <a href="/psalms/73-2.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/37-9.htm">Evildoers</a> <a href="/psalms/37-9.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Fret</a> <a href="/psalms/38-18.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/37-40.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/romans/4-13.htm">sness</a> <a href="/psalms/37-4.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/psalms/58-2.htm">Unrighteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/psalms/44-1.htm">Work</a> <a href="/psalms/53-4.htm">Workers</a> <a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Wrongdoers</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>Do not fret</b><br />The Hebrew word used here is "charah," which can mean to burn or be kindled with anger. In the context of <a href="/psalms/37.htm">Psalm 37:1</a>, it suggests an emotional response of worry or agitation. The psalmist, David, is advising against allowing oneself to be consumed by anxiety or anger. This is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, reminding believers that fretting is counterproductive and can lead to sin. Historically, this advice would have been particularly poignant in a time when the Israelites faced constant threats from surrounding nations and internal strife. The encouragement is to maintain peace and trust in God's ultimate plan.<p><b>over those who do evil</b><br />The phrase "those who do evil" refers to individuals who act wickedly or unjustly. The Hebrew word "ra'a" is used here, which encompasses a broad range of negative behaviors and intentions. In the biblical context, evildoers are often those who oppose God's will and oppress His people. The psalmist is acknowledging the reality of evil in the world but is urging believers not to be consumed by it. This reflects a deep trust in God's justice and timing, encouraging believers to focus on righteousness rather than being distracted by the apparent success of the wicked.<p><b>nor envy those who do wrong</b><br />The word "envy" comes from the Hebrew "qana," which implies a deep-seated jealousy or desire for what others have. The psalmist warns against envying the prosperity or success of those who do wrong, as their gains are temporary and ultimately lead to destruction. This is a call to contentment and faithfulness, trusting that God's rewards for righteousness far surpass any temporary gains achieved through wrongdoing. In a historical context, this would have been a powerful reminder to the Israelites to remain faithful to God's covenant, despite the allure of pagan practices and the apparent success of surrounding nations.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/37.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">Fret . . .</span>--This verb, repeated in <a href="/context/psalms/37-7.htm" title="Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.">Psalm 37:7-8</a>, is found besides only in <a href="/proverbs/24-19.htm" title="Fret not yourself because of evil men, neither be you envious at the wicked:">Proverbs 24:19</a>. Its meaning is <span class= "ital">to heat or inflame oneself.</span><p><span class= "bld">Neither be thou envious . . .</span>--This has a similar root-meaning (comp. our "burn with jealousy"), and so is in close parallelism with "fret." This verse occurs almost word for word in <a href="/proverbs/3-31.htm" title="Envy you not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.">Proverbs 3:31</a>; <a href="/proverbs/23-16.htm" title="Yes, my reins shall rejoice, when your lips speak right things.">Proverbs 23:16</a>; <a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm" title="Be not you envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.">Proverbs 24:1</a>. and <a href="/psalms/73-3.htm" title="For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.">Psalm 73:3</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Fret not thyself because of evildoers</span>. According to Aristotle, we have a special emotion implanted in our nature - <span class="greek">νέμεσις</span> - which causes us to "fret" when we witness undeserved prosperity ('Rhet.,' 2:9, § 1). Certainly the feeling is very common and very strong; it is also characteristic of the best natures (see <a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3-14</a>; <a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7-15</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1, 2</a>; <a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15</a>). The feeling does not need to be eradicated, but only to be held in check. Faith in God's retributive justice will enable us calmly to await "the end" (<a href="/psalms/73-17.htm">Psalm 73:17</a>), in full assurance that ultimately God's vengeance will overtake the wicked man, and he will receive condign punishment. <span class="cmt_word">Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity</span>. Envy is not a natural passion. To envy the evil-doers on account of their prosperity is at once a folly and a danger. Their position is really not enviable; and, if we allow ourselves to envy them, we shall be tempted to follow their example (see <a href="/proverbs/24-1.htm">Proverbs 24:1</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/37-1.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">Of David.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדָוִ֨ד ׀</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</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 over</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּתְחַ֥ר</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">doers of evil;</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמְּרֵעִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(bam·mə·rê·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural<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 /><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">envy</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּ֝קַנֵּ֗א</span> <span class="translit">(tə·qan·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7065.htm">Strong's 7065: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, zealous, jealous, envious</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who do</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֹשֵׂ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ō·śê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wrong.</span><br /><span class="heb">עַוְלָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘aw·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5766.htm">Strong's 5766: </a> </span><span class="str2">Injustice, unrighteousness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 37:1 By David (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/36-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 36:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 36:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/37-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 37:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 37:2" /></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>