Psalms 37:1
What does Psalms 37:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:1 means
Psalm 37 begins with a strong exhortation against anxiety and envy concerning the apparent prosperity of those who do evil. David advises the reader not to become agitated or resentful when observing the success of unrighteous individuals. The instruction here is to actively resist the temptation to fret or feel jealous, recognizing that such emotional responses are unproductive and show a lack of trust in God's ultimate justice. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, which aims to recalibrate the perspective of the righteous regarding the temporary nature of worldly success for the wicked.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, Neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, Neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not be angry because of the wrongdoers, or have envy of the workers of evil.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862By David. Do not fret because of evil doers, Be not envious against doers of iniquity,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A psalm for David, for a remembrance of the sabbath.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, and be not envious of them that work unrighteousness;
Context
This verse introduces the psalm's central theme: how the righteous should respond to the prosperity of the wicked. It immediately confronts a common human struggle, addressing the feelings of frustration and envy that arise when evil seems to triumph. This warning against fretting sets the stage for the positive commands and promises that follow, urging a shift from focusing on the wicked to trusting in God.
v.1This passage
v.2For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 24:1
Be not thou envious against evil men; Neither desire to be with them:
- James 4:5
Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?
- 1 Samuel 1:6
And her rival provoked her sore, to make her fret, because Jehovah had shut up her womb.
- Proverbs 3:31
Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways.
- Proverbs 24:19
Fret not thyself because of evil-doers; Neither be thou envious at the wicked:
- Psalms 37:7
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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