Psalms 37:1 - Exposition

Fret not thyself because of evildoers . According to Aristotle, we have a special emotion implanted in our nature— νέμεσις —which causes us to "fret" when we witness undeserved prosperity ('Rhet.,' 2.9, § 1). Certainly the feeling is very common and very strong; it is also characteristic of the best natures (see Psalms 73:3-14 ; Job 21:7-15 ; Jeremiah 12:1 , Jeremiah 12:2 ; Malachi 3:15 ). The feeling does not need to be eradicated, but only to be held in check. Faith in God's retributive justice will enable us calmly to await "the end" ( Psalms 73:17 ), in full assurance that ultimately God's vengeance will overtake the wicked man, and he will receive condign punishment. Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity . Envy is not a natural passion. To envy the evil-doers on account of their prosperity is at once a folly and a danger. Their position is really not enviable; and, if we allow ourselves to envy them, we shall be tempted to follow their example (see Proverbs 24:1 ).