Psalm 37:8-9

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 37:8

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; i.e. such anger and such wrath as the prosperity of the wicked calls forth. Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil; rather, fret not thyself , only to do evil. No result could be looked for from the sort of "fretting" spoken of, but an evil one. If men will dwell unduly on the fact of the prosperity of the wicked, and brood upon it in their hearts, they will be apt, in the first instance, to envy the wicked, which is at once "to do evil;" and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 37:9

For evil-doers shall be out off . It is foolish to "fret" and rage and storm against the ungodly whom we see prospering, since they will certainly be "cut off " sooner or later—sooner rather than later, according to the belief of the writer (see Psalms 37:2 , Psalms 37:10 ). But those that wait upon the Lord (see Psalms 37:7 ), they shall inherit the earth. It is doubly foolish, since when the wicked are "cut off," as they will be assuredly some day, the godly will find themselves... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 37:8

Cease from anger - That is, in reference to the fact that there are wicked people, and that they are permitted to carry out their plans. Do not allow your mind to be excited with envious, fretful, wrathful, or murmuring feelings against God because he bears patiently with them, and because they are allowed a temporary prosperity and triumph. Be calm, whatever may be the wickedness of the world. The supreme direction belongs to God, and he will dispose of it in the best way.And forsake wrath -... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 37:9

For evil-doers shall be cut off - See Psalms 37:2. This will be the termination of their course. They shall not ultimately prosper. God will order all things in equity, and though such men now seem to be prosperous, and to be the objects of the divine favor, yet all this is temporary. The day of retribution will certainly come, and they will be dealt with as they deserve. The reference here probably is to judgment in this life, or to the fact that God will, as a general law, show his... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 37:7-8

Psalms 37:7-8. Rest in the Lord Hebrew, דום , dom, Be silent unto, or for, or because of, the Lord: that is, do not murmur or repine at his dealings with thee, but silently and quietly submit to his will, and adore his judgments, and, as it follows, wait for his help. This advice and command is urged again and again, to teach us how hard it is to learn and practise this lesson. Fret not because of him who prospereth in his way In his evil way, as it is limited in the following... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 37:9-11

Psalms 37:9-11 . For evil-doers shall be cut off Namely, from the earth, as appears by comparing this with the next clause, and with Psalms 34:16. Their end shall certainly be most miserable. But those that wait, &c., shall inherit the earth According to God’s promise, often made to such; which also generally was literally fulfilled in that state of the church; and if in any instances it was not, it was fulfilled with far greater advantage in spiritual and eternal blessings. For yet... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 37:1-40

Psalms 37:0 Opposite destiniesThis psalm is an acrostic and a wisdom poem. (Concerning acrostics see notes on Psalms 9:0 and 10. Concerning wisdom literature see introductory notes to Job.) Other wisdom poems are found in Psalms 10:14, 19, 49, 73 and 112.On seeing how wicked people prosper, believers may be tempted to envy them or, worse still, to doubt God’s goodness. The reminder given in this psalm is that no one should judge by outward appearances. The prosperity of worthless people will be... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 37:9

be cut off: i.e. die. Used of Messiah (Daniel 9:26 ), whose resurrection was sure. (Psalms 16:0 , &c). the earth = the land, as in Psalms 37:3 , Psalms 37:29 , Psalms 37:34 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Psalms 37:8

REASONS FOR NOT FRETTING OVER EVIL-DOERS"Cease from anger, and forsake wrath:Fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing.For evil-doers shall be cut off;But those that wait for Jehovah, they shall inherit the land.For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be:Yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and he shall not be.But the meek shall inherit the land,And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.""Yet a little while, and the wicked shall be cut off" (Psalms 37:9),... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 37:8

Psalms 37:8. Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil— It is only to his own prejudice. Mudge. See Psalms 15:4. read more

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