Fret Not (Psalm 37)
Worry not over the perceived prosperity of the wicked for God abundantly blesses the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Fret Not (Psalm 37)
Worry not over the perceived prosperity of the wicked for God abundantly blesses the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
- Counsel (v1-8) — he advises not to worry or be envious over the wicked, rather concentrate on doing what is right in the sight of God (1:1-3; 34:12-14; 1 Pet. 5:7; Col. 3:2; Phil. 3:20, 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Cor. 5:9; Gal. 1:10; 1 Cor. 4:1-4).
- Explanation (v9-22) — the reason for this counsel is be-cause the Lord sees the ways of all men and He will reward justly; the righteous will be blessed but the wicked will perish (1:6; 34:13ff; John 5:28-29; Heb. 4:12-13; 2 Cor. 5:10; Luke 16:19ff—which one would you rather be?).
- Confidence (v23-33) — the result of such a life will be pleasing to God, the psalmist has seen this in the past and knows it will be true in the future (34:8; Rom. 12:2; Eph. 3:8-9/Acts 26:18; 1 John 1:3-4; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2:12-13; 4:8; Acts 10:34-35; Mark 16:15-16; Rev. 22:14; etc.).
- Reward (v34-40) — Ultimately the psalmist considers the end. Similar to Psalm 73, he learns not to envy those who will be cut off and have their only reward in this life; but rather to look to the righteous as an example and trust in God who saves (Rev. 21:7-8; Heb. 12:1-2, 11:13-16; Phil. 3:17; Matt. 6:1-4, 25-34; 25:46; 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 1 Pet. 1:3-9).
