Psalms 37:1

KJV

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm of David {H1732}. Fret {H2734} not thyself because of evildoers {H7489}{H8688)}, neither be thou envious {H7065}{H8762)} against the workers {H6213}{H8802)} of iniquity {H5766}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By David: Don't be upset by evildoers or envious of those who do wrong,

Berean Standard Bible

Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong.

American Standard Version

Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, Neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 37:1, a foundational admonition from King David, initiates a profound wisdom poem by urging believers to resist inner turmoil and envy when confronted with the apparent prosperity and success of those who engage in wickedness. This verse establishes the central theme of the entire psalm: a stark contrast between the fleeting triumph of the unrighteous and the enduring blessing, security, and ultimate vindication reserved for those who faithfully trust in God's sovereign justice and timing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a didactic wisdom psalm, structured as an alphabetic acrostic, though not perfectly preserved in all translations. It forms part of the "Psalms of David" collection, offering practical guidance for living righteously in a world often characterized by injustice. This opening verse sets the stage for a series of exhortations and assurances, repeatedly contrasting the destiny of the righteous with that of the wicked. The immediate verses, such as [Psalm 37:2](/psalms/37-2 "Psalm 37:2 - The Wicked Fade Like Grass"), elaborate on the transient nature of the wicked's success, likening them to quickly fading grass, thereby providing the rationale for the initial command not to fret or envy. The psalm consistently reiterates themes of trusting God, delighting in Him, committing one's way to Him, and waiting patiently for His intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, likely in his later years as suggested by [Psalm 37:25](/psalms/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - David's Testimony of God's Provision"), the psalm reflects the common human experience across cultures and times: the perplexing observation that the wicked often seem to flourish while the righteous suffer or struggle. In ancient Israel, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine favor, and poverty or suffering as a sign of judgment, leading to significant theological dilemmas when this pattern was seemingly inverted. David, a king who faced both righteous and wicked adversaries, addresses this existential tension directly. The cultural context emphasizes a communal understanding of justice, where God is expected to uphold righteousness within the covenant community, making the apparent success of evildoers a source of spiritual distress and questioning.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Psalm 37](/psalms/37 "Psalm 37 - Trust in the Lord") is the **vindication of the righteous and the judgment of the wicked**, emphasizing that God's justice will ultimately prevail, even if it is not immediately apparent. This verse introduces the crucial theme of **resisting internal turmoil**, specifically **fretfulness** (anxiety, anger) and **envy**, which arise from a misperception of divine justice. It implicitly calls for **faith and patience** in God's timing, rather than relying on human understanding or immediate gratification. The psalm encourages a proactive **focus on righteous living** and **trust in God's sovereignty**, as seen in commands like [Psalm 37:3](/psalms/37-3 "Psalm 37:3 - Trust in the Lord and Do Good") ("Trust in the Lord, and do good") and [Psalm 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord") ("Delight thyself also in the Lord"). These themes collectively guide believers to find peace and security not in external circumstances, but in their unwavering relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fret (Hebrew, _ḥārâ'_):** This verb literally means "to burn," "to be hot," or "to be kindled." In a metaphorical sense, it denotes intense anger, vexation, or anxiety that consumes a person from within. The imperative "fret not thyself" (אַל־תִּתְחַר) is a strong prohibition against allowing one's inner being to be agitated, inflamed, or consumed by resentment or worry over the apparent success of the wicked. It speaks to the danger of internal combustion of negative emotions that can erode faith and peace.
* **Envious (Hebrew, _qānā'_):** This verb signifies "to be zealous," "jealous," or "envious." In this context, it carries the negative connotation of coveting the prosperity, status, or success of others, particularly those who achieve it through unrighteous means. The command "neither be thou envious" (וְאַל־תְּקַנֵּא) warns against the spiritual danger of desiring what the wicked possess, as such envy can lead to bitterness, dissatisfaction with God's provision, and even a temptation to abandon one's own righteous path to emulate their perceived success.
* **Evildoers/Workers of Iniquity (Hebrew, _m'rē'îm_ / _pō'ălê 'āwen'_):** These parallel terms refer to those who habitually practice evil, injustice, and moral corruption. They are not merely individuals who commit isolated sins, but those whose lives are characterized by a pattern of unrighteousness. The psalm's concern is with the seemingly unpunished prosperity of such individuals, which can be a stumbling block to the righteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ [A Psalm] of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers,"**: This opening phrase, introduced by the superscription attributing the psalm to David, immediately sets a tone of direct pastoral counsel. The imperative "fret not thyself" is a command to guard one's heart and mind against the corrosive effects of anxiety, anger, or agitation that arise from observing the apparent prosperity or unpunished actions of those who commit evil. It implies that such internal turmoil is a dangerous response, capable of undermining faith and peace.
* **"neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity."**: This second parallel command reinforces the first, broadening the scope of the admonition. It warns against the sin of envy—the coveting or grudging resentment of the possessions, status, or perceived success of those who habitually practice injustice and wickedness. Envy, like fretfulness, is an internal spiritual malady that shifts focus from God's goodness and provision to a comparison with the unrighteous, leading to dissatisfaction and a potential questioning of God's justice.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 37:1 employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first ("Fret not thyself because of evildoers"). Both clauses convey the same core message: avoid negative emotional responses to the success of the wicked. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Fret not," "neither be envious") establishes the verse as a direct, authoritative command or admonition, characteristic of wisdom literature. This gives the instruction a sense of urgency and non-negotiability. Furthermore, the verse sets a **Didactic Tone** for the entire psalm, signaling its purpose as a teaching tool designed to instruct the reader on how to navigate the moral complexities of life with faith and patience. The concise and direct nature of the opening also functions as an **Exhortation**, immediately challenging the reader's common human tendency to react emotionally to injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 37:1 lays a crucial theological foundation by addressing the pervasive human struggle with the problem of evil and divine justice. It asserts that our emotional and spiritual well-being should not be dictated by the temporary circumstances of the wicked, but by our unwavering trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and perfect timing. The command to "fret not" and "be not envious" is rooted in the conviction that God is just and will, in due course, execute His righteous judgment, distinguishing clearly between the destiny of the righteous and the wicked. This perspective calls believers to a deeper level of faith that transcends immediate appearances, urging them to rest in God's character rather than succumbing to the spiritual dangers of bitterness or covetousness.

* [Proverbs 24:19-20](/proverbs/24-19 "Proverbs 24:19-20 - Do Not Fret Over Evildoers")
* [Psalm 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2 "Psalm 73:2-3 - Asaph's Struggle with the Prosperity of the Wicked")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave Vengeance to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 37:1 serves as a timeless anchor for the soul in a world that often seems upside down. It confronts our natural human tendency to react with anxiety, anger, or envy when we see injustice seemingly prevail or when unrighteous individuals appear to prosper without consequence. The call to "fret not" is an invitation to spiritual peace, reminding us that our internal state should not be dictated by external circumstances or the behavior of others. Instead, our peace is found in God's unwavering character and His certain promise of ultimate justice. By commanding us not to be envious, the verse challenges us to cultivate contentment in God's provision and to trust that His path for us, though it may not involve worldly acclaim or material excess, is ultimately the path of true blessing and enduring life. This requires a conscious redirection of our focus from what the wicked possess to what God has promised and provided for us, fostering a heart of gratitude and unwavering faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific situations or observations in your life cause you to "fret" or become "envious" regarding the success of others?**
* **How does focusing on the apparent prosperity of the wicked challenge your trust in God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **What practical steps can you take to guard your heart against fretfulness and envy, as commanded in this verse?**
* **How might a deeper understanding of God's ultimate plan for justice impact your emotional responses to current injustices?**

### FAQ
**Why is it so important not to fret or be envious of evildoers?**

Answer: It is crucial not to fret or be envious because these emotions are spiritually destructive and undermine faith. Fretfulness (anxiety, anger) over the wicked's apparent success suggests a lack of trust in God's sovereign control and His commitment to justice. It can lead to bitterness, questioning God's goodness, and a loss of inner peace. Envy, on the other hand, is a form of covetousness that desires what the unrighteous possess, potentially leading one to abandon their own righteous path or become dissatisfied with God's provision. The psalm goes on to explain that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, like grass that quickly withers ([Psalm 37:2](/psalms/37-2 "Psalm 37:2 - The Wicked Fade Like Grass")), while the righteous will inherit the land and enjoy abundant peace ([Psalm 37:11](/psalms/37-11 "Psalm 37:11 - The Meek Inherit the Earth")). Therefore, these negative emotions are based on a short-sighted and ultimately false perception of reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 37:1, with its command to "fret not" and "be not envious" of evildoers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament believer was called to trust in God's future vindication, the New Testament reveals that this vindication is secured in Christ. We are no longer left to merely hope for justice, but we look to the one who perfectly endured injustice and triumphed over it. Jesus, the righteous one, suffered at the hands of wicked men, yet He did not fret or become envious; instead, He committed Himself to Him who judges righteously ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). His resurrection is the ultimate proof that God's justice prevails and that the temporary triumph of evil is always subject to His sovereign plan. Believers are now called to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus")), knowing that in Him, all things are being made new and that His kingdom will ultimately overcome all forms of wickedness ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Our peace and contentment are found not in the absence of evil, but in the presence of Christ, who assures us that He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and will return to establish perfect justice ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Return and Reward")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.