Psalms 37:7

KJV

¶ Rest 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Rest {H1826} in the LORD {H3068}, and wait patiently {H2342}{H8708)} for him: fret {H2734}{H8691)} not thyself because of him who prospereth {H6743}{H8688)} in his way {H1870}, because of the man {H376} who bringeth {H6213} wicked devices {H4209} to pass {H6213}{H8802)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Be still before ADONAI; wait patiently till he comes. Don't be upset by those whose way succeeds because of their wicked plans.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Rest in Jehovah, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:7 serves as a pivotal command within a wisdom psalm, urging believers to cultivate profound trust and patient reliance upon the Lord, rather than succumbing to anxiety or envy over the apparent success of the wicked. It calls for an inner stillness and confident expectation in God's perfect timing and ultimate justice, assuring that divine order will prevail despite temporary appearances of unrighteous prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 37 is a didactic wisdom psalm, structured as an acrostic (though not perfectly preserved in all stanzas), which offers practical advice for living righteously in a world where the wicked often seem to prosper. It contrasts the fleeting success of the ungodly with the enduring blessedness of those who trust in Yahweh. Verse 7 specifically follows a series of imperatives to "[trust in the LORD](/psalms/37-3 "Psalms 37:3 - Trust in the LORD")", "[delight thyself also in the LORD](/psalms/37-4 "Psalms 37:4 - Delight in the LORD")", and "[commit thy way unto the LORD](/psalms/37-5 "Psalms 37:5 - Commit to the LORD")", building upon these foundational commands by addressing the specific temptation to fret over the unrighteous. It sets the stage for the psalm's repeated assurance that the wicked will wither like grass, while the righteous will inherit the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely originates from the Davidic era, reflecting common challenges faced by ancient Israelites concerning theodicy—the question of why God permits evil and why the righteous suffer while the wicked thrive. This was a pervasive concern in the ancient Near East, addressed in various wisdom traditions. For Israel, this question was particularly acute given their covenant relationship with a just and righteous God (YHWH). The cultural expectation was that obedience would bring immediate blessing and prosperity, while disobedience would bring curses. The observable reality often contradicted this, leading to spiritual distress and doubt. Psalms 37, therefore, provides a theological framework for enduring such perceived injustices, grounding faith in God's ultimate sovereignty and justice rather than immediate circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout Psalms 37 and broader biblical wisdom literature. The central theme is **Trust in God's Sovereignty and Justice**, urging the believer to anchor their hope in the Lord's character and ultimate control, rather than in outward appearances. It directly confronts the problem of **Theodicy**, offering a divine perspective on the temporary nature of wicked prosperity versus the eternal security of the righteous. The theme of **Patience and Endurance** is paramount, as the psalm calls for a long-term perspective, emphasizing God's perfect timing. Finally, the psalm reiterates the promise of **Inheritance of the Land** for the meek and righteous, contrasting it with the swift destruction awaiting the wicked, a theme echoed in other wisdom texts like [Proverbs 2:21-22](/proverbs/2-21 "Proverbs 2:21-22 - The Upright Inherit the Land") and even in the New Testament's [Beatitudes](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the Meek").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rest (דּוֹם, _dom_):** This Hebrew imperative means "be silent," "be still," or "cease." It implies more than mere physical inactivity; it's an injunction to quiet the soul, to cease from anxious striving, worrying, or retaliating. It's an active surrender, a deliberate cessation of self-reliance and a confident repose in God's character and control.
* **Wait patiently (יָחַל, _yachal_):** This verb signifies "to hope," "to expect," or "to endure with hope." It's not a passive resignation but an active, enduring expectation rooted in faith. It implies a confident, unwavering anticipation of God's intervention and fulfillment of His promises, regardless of how long it takes or how challenging the present circumstances may be.
* **Fret not (חָרָה, _charah_):** Derived from a root meaning "to burn" or "to be hot," this imperative warns against allowing oneself to become inflamed with anger, envy, vexation, or indignation. It speaks to the internal turmoil that arises from comparing one's own lot with the apparent success of the wicked, urging a spiritual self-control to prevent such destructive emotions from taking root.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rest in the LORD":** This is the foundational command, calling for a profound internal stillness and cessation of anxious striving. It means to quiet one's soul, to release control, and to place complete trust and reliance upon God's sovereignty and wisdom. It is a spiritual discipline of letting go and letting God.
* **"and wait patiently for him":** Complementing "rest," this clause emphasizes the active, enduring hope required. It's not a passive waiting, but a confident expectation and patient endurance, trusting in God's perfect timing and His ultimate plan to bring justice and blessing. It acknowledges that God's ways and timing are often different from our own.
* **"fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way":** This directly addresses the common human temptation to become agitated, envious, or angry when observing the unrighteous succeed. The psalmist warns against allowing the temporary, superficial prosperity of the wicked to disturb one's inner peace or faith in divine justice. This prosperity is often achieved through ungodly means.
* **"because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass":** This further specifies the cause of potential fretting: those who not only prosper but also successfully execute malicious or ungodly schemes. The verse warns against being disheartened by the apparent efficacy of evil plans, reminding the believer that such success is fleeting and ultimately under God's sovereign oversight.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 37:7 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The primary device is the **Imperative Mood**, seen in "Rest," "wait," and "fret not," which conveys direct commands and urgent counsel to the reader. This creates a didactic, instructional tone characteristic of wisdom literature. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the internal posture of the righteous (resting, waiting) and the external circumstances that provoke anxiety (the prosperity and successful schemes of the wicked). This contrast highlights the spiritual battle between faith and sight. Furthermore, the verse uses **Parallelism** in the latter half, where "him who prospereth in his way" is paralleled by "the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass," amplifying the specific type of unrighteousness that causes fretting. The overall tone is one of **Pastoral Encouragement**, guiding the distressed soul towards a posture of trust and peace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical understanding of divine sovereignty, the nature of true blessedness, and the eschatological hope of God's ultimate justice. It underscores that God is not indifferent to evil or injustice, but operates on a timeline and according to a wisdom that transcends human comprehension. The call to "rest" and "wait" is an invitation to participate in God's eternal perspective, valuing His character and promises above temporary worldly conditions. It teaches that true security and prosperity are found not in material gain or worldly success, but in a steadfast relationship with the Lord, who will ultimately vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked. This theological truth serves as a bulwark against despair and envy, directing the believer's gaze towards the unchanging faithfulness of God.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart")
* [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In quietness and trust shall be your strength")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I will repay")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with instant gratification and constant comparison, Psalms 37:7 offers a timeless antidote to anxiety and envy. It challenges us to resist the urge to measure our worth or God's faithfulness by the fleeting successes of others, particularly those who operate outside of divine principles. The command to "rest in the LORD" is a radical call to cease striving in our own strength, to lay down our worries and perceived injustices at His feet, and to trust that He is actively working, even when we cannot see it. "Waiting patiently" means cultivating a deep, abiding hope that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and His promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. This verse encourages us to shift our focus from external circumstances and the perceived unfairness of the world to an internal posture of peace and confident expectation in God's unfailing character, allowing His truth to quiet our anxious hearts and guide our steps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific situations or people in your life cause you to "fret" or feel envious?**
* **How does the concept of "resting in the LORD" challenge your natural inclination to control or strive?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more patient and trusting heart in your daily life?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate justice change your perspective on the temporary prosperity of the wicked?**

### FAQ
**What does "rest in the LORD" truly mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: "Rest in the LORD" (Hebrew: _dom la-YHWH_) means to quiet your soul, cease from anxious striving, and place your complete trust and reliance upon God. Practically, it involves letting go of the need to control outcomes, surrendering your worries to Him through prayer, and intentionally choosing to believe in His sovereignty and goodness even when circumstances are unsettling. It's about finding inner peace and stillness in His presence, recognizing that He is in control and will act on your behalf. This rest is not passive inactivity but an active faith that allows God to work.

**Why is it so hard not to fret over the wicked's prosperity?**

Answer: It's inherently challenging for human nature to observe injustice and apparent inequity without feeling disturbed. We are wired for fairness, and when we see those who disregard God's ways seemingly flourish, it can provoke feelings of anger, frustration, and even doubt in God's justice. Our limited perspective often focuses on immediate, visible outcomes rather than God's eternal, unseen work. The psalmist acknowledges this struggle, which is why the command "fret not thyself" is so prominent. It requires a conscious act of faith to trust that God's ultimate judgment and vindication are coming, as promised in verses like [Psalms 37:2](/psalms/37-2 "Psalms 37:2 - They shall soon be cut down like the grass").

**Does "waiting patiently" mean doing nothing while God acts?**

Answer: No, "waiting patiently" (Hebrew: _yachal_) does not imply passive resignation or idleness. Instead, it signifies an active, enduring hope and confident expectation in God's timing and action. It means continuing to live righteously, to obey God's commands, and to serve Him faithfully while trusting that He will fulfill His promises. It's about maintaining a posture of faith and readiness, much like a farmer waits patiently for the harvest, knowing he has done his part in planting and tending. It's about aligning our will with God's, even when His timeline differs from our own, as exemplified in the lives of biblical figures who waited on God, such as Abraham waiting for Isaac ([Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham believed the LORD")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodied resting in the Father and waiting patiently, even in the face of immense suffering and the apparent triumph of wicked devices. Jesus, though innocent, allowed Himself to be crucified by the wicked, demonstrating ultimate trust in God's plan, even when it led to the cross. His life was a testament to "resting in the LORD," as He consistently sought the Father's will and found His peace in obedience, even praying, "[not my will, but yours be done](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Not my will, but yours be done")" in Gethsemane. His resurrection is the definitive answer to the problem of the wicked's temporary prosperity, proving that God's justice and ultimate triumph will always prevail over evil. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ enables believers to truly "rest in the LORD" by forgiving their sins and granting them peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ")). He empowers us to "wait patiently" for His return and the full manifestation of His kingdom, knowing that "[He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He that is in you")" and that "[He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Jesus will come again")", bringing an end to all wicked devices and establishing eternal righteousness.

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.

Cross-References

James 5:7

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

James 5:11

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalms 62:5

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him.

Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 10:37

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Proverbs 20:22

¶ Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.