¶ 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.
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)}.
Be still before ADONAI; wait patiently till he comes. Don't be upset by those whose way succeeds because of their wicked plans.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Commentary
This verse is a central piece of advice in Psalm 37, a wisdom psalm likely written by David. The psalm addresses the age-old problem of why the wicked often seem to succeed while the righteous face difficulties. David's counsel is not to despair or become envious, but to anchor one's hope and actions in God.
The phrase "Rest in the LORD" (Hebrew: dum la-YHWH) carries the sense of being silent, still, or ceasing from striving. It's an injunction to quiet the soul, to cease from anxious activity or worry, and to place complete trust and reliance upon God. It means to commit your situation to Him and trust in His handling of it.
"Wait patiently for him" (Hebrew: yachal lo) complements "rest." It implies enduring hope and confident expectation in God's timing and action. It's an active waiting, not passive resignation, but a waiting rooted in faith that God will ultimately act justly and righteously.
The command "fret not thyself" (Hebrew: charah) means not to burn with anger, vexation, or envy. The context specifies the cause of this potential fretting: the apparent success of the wicked ("him who prospereth in his way") and those who successfully execute evil plans ("the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass"). The psalmist warns against allowing the temporary prosperity or cunning schemes of the ungodly to disturb one's inner peace or faith in God's ultimate control.
The core message is a call to choose trust and patience in God over anxiety and envy triggered by the world's apparent injustices. While the wicked may seem to flourish for a time, the psalm goes on to assure that their end is destruction, while the righteous, who trust and wait on God, will inherit the earth.
This verse encourages believers to maintain composure and faith, knowing that God sees, is in control, and will act according to His perfect timing and justice. It's a call to focus on one's relationship with God rather than comparing oneself to or being troubled by the fleeting success of the unrighteous.
See also: Proverbs 3:5-6.