Psalms 37:1
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be you envious against the workers of iniquity.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be you envious against the workers of iniquity.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, Neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
<Of David.> Do not be angry because of the wrongdoers, or have envy of the workers of evil.
Webster's Revision
A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evil doers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
World English Bible
Don't fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness.
English Revised Version (ERV)
A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.
Definitions for Psalms 37:1
Clarke's Psalms 37:1 Bible Commentary
Fret not thyself because of evil doers - It is as foolish as it is wicked to repine or be envious at the prosperity of others. Whether they are godly or ungodly, it is God who is the dispenser of the bounty they enjoy; and, most assuredly, he has a right to do what he will with his own. To be envious in such a case, is to arraign the providence of God. And it is no small condescension in the Almighty to reason with such persons as he does in this Psalm.
Barnes's Psalms 37:1 Bible Commentary
Fret not thyself - The Hebrew word here means properly to burn, to be kindled, to be inflamed, and is often applied to anger, as if under its influence we become "heated:" Genesis 31:36; Genesis 34:7; 1 Samuel 15:11; 2 Samuel 19:43. Hence, it means to fret oneself, to be angry, or indignant. Compare Proverbs 24:19. We should perhaps express the same idea by the word "worrying" or "chafing." The state of mind is that where we are worried, or envious, because others are prosperous and successful, and we are not. The idea is, therefore, closely allied with that in the other part of the verse, "neither be thou "envious.""
Because of evil-doers - Wicked men:
(a) at the fact that there are wicked men, or that God suffers them to live;
(b) at their numbers;
(c) at their success and prosperity.
Neither be thou envious - Envy is pain, mortification, discontent, at the superior excellence or prosperity of others, accompanied often with some degree of malignant feeling, and with a disposition to detract from their merit. It is the result of a comparison of ourselves with others who are more highly gifted or favored, or who are more successful than we are ourselves. The feeling referred to here is that which springs up in the mind when we see persons of corrupt or wicked character prospered, while we, endeavoring to do right, are left to poverty, to disappointment, and to tears.
Wesley's Psalms 37:1 Bible Commentary
37:1 Fret not - Because they prosper in their wicked enterprizes.