Psalm 37: Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers
Best for: Dealing with injustice, seeking patience
Psalm 37 ("Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers") is a wisdom psalm best read for dealing with injustice, seeking patience. Psalm 37 is David's wisdom for those frustrated by the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Rather than envying evildoers, David counsels trust, delight, and rest in the Lord.
Overview
Psalm 37 is David's wisdom for those frustrated by the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Rather than envying evildoers, David counsels trust, delight, and rest in the Lord. The righteous may have little, but it's better than the abundance of many wicked.
The psalm promises that the meek shall inherit the earth and the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
Key Verses
"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."— Psalm 37:4 (KJV)
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way."— Psalm 37:23 (KJV)
Key Themes
Reflection
It's natural to feel frustrated when dishonest people prosper. But this psalm takes the long view: wickedness is temporary; God's justice is eternal. Can you trust God's timing rather than demanding immediate results?
Historical Context
Written in David's old age ('I have been young, and now am old'), this wisdom psalm addresses the perennial problem of why the wicked prosper. Its acrostic structure and proverbial style link it to the wisdom tradition of Proverbs. The repeated command 'Fret not' (literally 'do not heat yourself') addresses the burning anger that arises when injustice seems to triumph.
How to Apply This Today
Three action steps from this psalm: (1) 'Trust in the Lord and do good'—focus on your own faithfulness, not others' failures. (2) 'Delight yourself in the Lord'—make Him your source of joy, not circumstances. (3) 'Commit your way to the Lord'—literally 'roll' your burdens onto Him like rolling a stone off a path.
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 37
Fret not because of evildoers. Trust in the Lord and do good. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. The meek shall inherit the earth. Amen.
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Read devotionalFrequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 37 about?
Psalm 37 is David's wisdom for those frustrated by the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Rather than envying evildoers, David counsels trust, delight, and rest in the Lord. The righteous may have little, but it's better than the abundance of many wicked. The psalm promises that the meek shall inherit the earth and the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
What does Psalm 37 teach us?
It's natural to feel frustrated when dishonest people prosper. But this psalm takes the long view: wickedness is temporary; God's justice is eternal. Can you trust God's timing rather than demanding immediate results?
What are the key themes of Psalm 37?
The key themes of Psalm 37 include: Patience, Trust, Justice, Meekness.
When should I read Psalm 37?
Psalm 37 is especially meaningful for: Dealing with injustice, seeking patience. The overall mood is patient, reassuring.
How can I apply Psalm 37 to my life?
Three action steps from this psalm: (1) 'Trust in the Lord and do good'—focus on your own faithfulness, not others' failures. (2) 'Delight yourself in the Lord'—make Him your source of joy, not circumstances. (3) 'Commit your way to the Lord'—literally 'roll' your burdens onto Him like rolling a stone off a path.
Continue Studying Themes from Psalm 37
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