Keraia
Psalm 37

Psalm 37:1

Delight Yourself in the LORD · Psalm 37:1–40
Read Psalm 37

Translations

Modern
Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong.
Traditional
A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
Literal
Of David. You should not fret ove those doing evil, and do not be jealous of the workers of iniquity.
Latin
Psalmus ipsi David. Noli æmulari in malignantibus, neque zelaveris facientes iniquitatem:

Original

Hebrew
English
Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong.

Notes

Psalms 37:1

envy: The jealous desire to have what others enjoy leads to further sin (Psalm 73:3; Proverbs 3:31; James 1:14–15; 4:1–2).

Psalms 37:1–9

The wise respond to evil by trusting in the Lord. Trust has five parts:

  1. Do not become irritated or jealous of those who do evil (Psalm 37:1–2).

  2. Delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:3–4).

  3. Submit to the Lord (Psalm 37:5–6).

  4. Practice patience in hope (Psalm 37:7).

  5. Avoid anger (Psalm 37:8–9).

Psalms 37:1–40

This psalm addresses the issues raised in Psalm 36:

  • How should the godly react to evil?

  • When will the Lord bring justice?

  • Why does he allow the wicked to harm his creation?

Psalm 37 provides clear answers that reduce the tensions of life (Psalm 37:1–9, 34) and promise that the meek will have a future (Psalm 37:10–11, 39–40).

The contrast between the godly and the wicked highlights the uselessness of foolishness (Psalm 37:12–24, 27–33). The psalmist's personal insights add a human element (Psalm 37:25–26, 35–38). He encourages viewing the land's inheritance with a long-term perspective: The earth belongs to the Lord, who will give it to those he blesses—the humble and godly who trust, hope, and follow him (see Psalm 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34; see also Isaiah 57:13; Matthew 5:5).

Theme notes and profiles

David Wisdom Psalms

Parallels

1 Kings 2:1–9

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Glossary

Acrostic David Fear Music Poetry, Biblical Poor, the Proverbs, Book of Psalms, Book of Wisdom Literature

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation In Being Mean David: King of Israel: Devoutness of Death of the Wicked Envy: General Scriptures Concerning Envy: Prosperity of the Wicked should not Excite Fretting Happiness of the Wicked: Envy Not Murmuring: Against God Poetry: Acrostic Psalms: Didactic Resignation: Exhortation To The Happiness of the Wicked: Envy Not Titles and Names of the Wicked: Evil Doers Wicked (People): Prosperity of Wicked (People): Punishment of