Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 37

Fret not yourself - 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. . 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 you envious.

Because of evildoers - Wicked men:

• At the fact that there are wicked men, or that God allows them to live;
• At their numbers;
• At their success and prosperity.

Neither be you 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.

For they shall soon be cut down like the grass - As the grass in the field is cut down by the mower; that is, however prosperous they may seem to be now, they are like the grass in the meadow which is so green and luxuriant, but which is soon to fall under the scythe of the mower. Their prosperity is only temporary, for they will soon pass away. The idea in the word rendered “soon” - מהרה m^ehêrâh - is that of “haste” or “speed” (Psalms 147:15; Numbers 16:46; Deuteronomy 11:17). The thought is not that it will be done immediately, but that “when” it occurs it will be a quick and rapid operation - as the grass falls rapidly before the mower.

And wither as the green herb - When it is cut down. That is, not as the dry and stinted shrub that grows in the desert of sand, but like the herb that grows in a garden, or in a marsh, or by the river, that is full of juices, and that needs abundant water to sustain it - like the flag or rush - and that withers almost instantly when it is cut down. The rapidity with which things “wilt” is in proportion to the rapidity of their growth, so the prosperity of a sinner is suddenly blasted, and he passes away .

Trust in the Lord - Confide in him; rest on him. Instead of allowing the mind to be disturbed and sad because there are wicked men upon the earth; because they are prosperous and apparently happy; because they may injure you in your person or reputation (Psalms 37:6), calmly confide in God. Leave all this in his hands. Feel that he rules, and that what he permits is wisely permitted; and that whatever may occur, it will all be overruled for his own glory and the good of the universe.

And do good - Always be engaged in some work of benevolence.

• If there are wicked men in the world, if wickedness abounds around us, there is all the more reason for us to endeavor to do good. If others are doing evil, we should do good; if they are wicked, we cannot do a better work than to do good to them, for the best way of meeting the wickedness of the world is to do it good.
• The best way to keep the mind from complaining, chafing, and fretting is to always be engaged in doing good; to have the mind always occupied with something valuable and useful. Each one should have so much of his own to do that he will have no time to murmur and complain, to allow the mind to prey on itself, or to “corrode” for lack of employment.

So shalt thou dwell in the land - This would be more correctly translated as a command: “Dwell in the land.” That is, abide safely or securely in the land - referring, perhaps, to “the land” as the land of promise—the country given to the people of God. The idea is that they should abide there calmly and securely; that they should not worry themselves because there were wicked men upon the earth and because they were successful, but that they should be thankful for their inheritance and partake gratefully of the bounties which they receive from the hand of God. .

And verily thou shalt be fed - Margin, “in truth or stableness.” The “literal” meaning would be, “Feed on truth.” The word rendered “fed” is here in the imperative mood. It properly means to feed, as a flock, and then to feed upon anything in the sense of delighting in or taking pleasure in anything, as if we found our support or sustenance in it. And here it means, doubtless, “Feed on truth”; that is, seek after truth, find delight in it, and let it be the food of your souls. The word here rendered “verily” means, as in the margin, “truth,” and the meaning is that they should seek after truth and find their support and comfort in that.

There are, then, in this verse, four things prescribed as duty, in order to keep the mind calm in view of the fact that wickedness abounds in the world:

1. to confide in God;
2. to be actively employed in doing good;
3. to abide calmly and gratefully in the land which God has given us;
4. to seek after truth, or a true view of the character and government of God as the great Ruler.

If people would do these things, there would be little complaining and fretting in the world.

Delight yourself also in the - Lord. The word rendered “delight” means properly to live delicately and effeminately; then, to be tender or delicate; then, to live a life of ease or pleasure; then, to find delight or pleasure in anything. The meaning here is, that we should seek our happiness in God - in His being, His perfections, His friendship, His love.

And He shall give you the desires of your heart - literally, the “askings,” or the “requests” of your heart. What you really “desire” will be granted to you. That is:

1. the fact that you seek your happiness in Him will regulate your desires, so that you will be “disposed” to ask only those things which it will be proper for Him to grant; and
2. the fact that you do find your happiness in Him will be a reason why He will grant your desires.

The fact that a child loves his father, and finds his happiness in doing his will, will do much to regulate his own “wishes” or “desires,” and will at the same time be a reason why the father will be disposed to comply with his requests.

Commit thy way unto the LORD. Margin, as in Hebrew, “Roll your way upon the Lord.” Compare the notes at (Psalms 22:8), where the margin, as the Hebrew, is, “He rolled himself on the Lord.” See also (1 Peter 5:7). The idea is that of rolling a heavy burden from ourselves on another, or laying it upon him, so that he may bear it. The burden which we do not have strength to bear we may lay on God.

The term “way” properly means the act of treading or going; then, a way or path; then, a course of life, or the manner in which one lives. The reference here is to the whole course of life, or all that can affect life; all our plans or conduct; all the issues or results of those plans. It is equivalent here to “lot” or “destiny.” Everything regarding the manner in which we live, and all its results, is to be committed to the Lord.

Trust also in him. See (Psalms 37:3).

And he shall bring it to pass. Hebrew, “He shall do it.” That is, He will bring it to a proper issue; He will secure a happy result. He will take care of your interests, and will not permit you to suffer, or to be ultimately wronged. The thing particularly referred to here, as appears from the next verse, is reputation or character.