Posted inCounsel the Word Counseling Psalms

Envying the Wicked (Psalm 37)

October 11, 2023
Envying the Wicked (Psalm 37)

Read Psalm 37:

Of David.

1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! 2 For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! 8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. 9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. 10 In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. 11 But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

12 The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, 13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming. 14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright; 15 their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. 16 Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. 18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; 19 they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance. 20 But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish– like smoke they vanish away. 21 The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;

22 for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off. 23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; 24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. 26 He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. 27 Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. 28 For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. 29 The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. 32 The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death. 33 The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial. 34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.

35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. 36 But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found. 37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. 38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. 40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Understand Psalm 37:

“Do not fret!” Three times, David repeats his command to emphasize God’s instruction against envying the wicked (vv. 1, 7, 8).[1] He then punctuates this alphabetic acrostic by comparing the wicked who are “cut off” with the righteous who “inherit the land” (vv. 9, 11, 22, 28-29, 34, 38).[2] We too need such reminders when we are tempted to envy the world.

A.    Commit to God’s Design (vv. 1–11)

From the perspective of an old man, David urges his listeners not to worry about the wicked who will soon wither like the grass of the field (vv. 1-2; see 1:3-4). God’s timing is more important than man’s and God’s ways are filled with wisdom. Four times, then, David directs our hearts to rely on Yahweh, our Lord.

  • Trust in the Lord (v. 3)

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness” (v. 3). The righteous rely on the covenant God, obey his will, and rest in the goodness he provides. We actively nurture our faithfulness to God like a shepherd cares for sheep: leading them, tending them, and always remaining with them.[3] Instead of being overwhelmed by all the evil in this world, we focus on tending our own pasture: faithfulness in the home, in relationships, in church ministry. Then, as we trust in the Lord, he strengthens us to obey and to do what is right.

  • Delight in the Lord (v. 4)

We also find delight in God as he transforms our desires to be satisfied in him alone. We pursue him through fervent prayer and meditation on his attributes and deeds. We only end up envying the wicked when we want what they have more than we want the Lord. Yet when we delight in God, we will have everything we ever wanted. Apart from him, we still have nothing.

Every morsel of wisdom in Psalm 37 teaches us different ways to delight in the Lord—not merely in his gifts, but in the Giver himself. For our joy does not simply come from God, but rather as we delight in God. Thus, Spurgeon wrote, “Every name, attribute, word, or deed of [the Lord] should be delightful to us, and in meditating thereon our soul should be as glad as is the epicure who feeds delicately with a profound relish for his dainties.”[4]

  • Commit to the Lord (vv. 5-6)

David continues, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act” (v. 5). “To commit” (galal) depicts “rolling one’s burden upon the Lord” (e.g., Josh 5:9). It evokes the image of a weight too heavy for us to lift, requiring the determination to roll it into the sovereign arms of God: “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7).

We envy the wicked when God’s righteousness and justice appear slow to us. Yet as the sun rises every morning until it reigns in the noonday sky, so also God will make all things right in the end (Ps 37:6).

  • Wait on the Lord (vv. 7-11)

Therefore, “be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” (v. 7a). Waiting cultivates active trust as we rest in God’s wisdom.[5] We need not worry for what tomorrow will bring or whether the wicked will prevail (v. 7b). We don’t give in to any anger or anxiety which commonly follows envy (v. 8). Instead, we maintain our absolute confidence that God will come through when we need him most. Then, as the wicked wither (vv. 9-10), the righteous will receive the spoils: “The meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace” (v. 11; see Matt 5:5-6).

David’s call to meekness seems out of place in a world driven by success. Yet we will grow in gentleness as we wait on the Lord. We can learn from Jesus, who promised, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle [meek] and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt 11:28–29).

B.    Consider the Wicked Cursed (vv. 12–22)

The wicked seek to outsmart God, yet God’s sovereignty overcomes their schemes. Consider now four condemnations against the wicked for desperately seeking self-glory.

  • The Wicked Plot (vv. 12-13)

    “The wicked plots against the righteous” and even causes a measure of trouble (Pss 37:12; 2:1-3, but the Lord derides his feeble attempts (37:13; 2:4). We need not fear our enemies when God remains our constant friend.

    • The Wicked Persecute (vv. 14-15)

    The wicked then use force to oppress the poor and needy, but the Lord turns their vile weapons against them (Ps 37:14-15). Like Haman, who was hanged from his own gallows (Esth 7:9-10), the Lord will pierce the sinful heart with the very sword they thrust. By contrast, David emboldens the righteous: “Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. . . . The LORD upholds the righteous. The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance” (Ps 37:16, 17b-19). We need not fear the wicked when God is on our side.

    • The Wicked Perish (v. 20)

    Our enemies might also frighten us as they flaunt their glory. They can intimidate us by their impressive accomplishments. “But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish—like smoke they vanish away” (v. 20). From an eternal perspective, life is a vapor for even the most remarkable people on earth. We need not fear the unjust, since none can escape God’s final judgment.

    • The Wicked Pilfer (vv. 21-22)

    We should not envy self-centered sinners characterized by greed. They hoard all they can for themselves, take without returning, and refuse to share with others. “But the righteous is generous and gives; for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off” (vv. 21b-22). We need not fear the greedy, for they are cut off from God’s inheritance. By contrast, the righteous can afford to be generous as we possess such inexhaustible riches.

    C.     Count Your Many Blessings (vv. 23–29)

    The wicked are cursed, but the righteous receive abundant blessings. So, whenever we are tempted to be envious of others, we must rest securely in the Lord. Consider three specific blessings over which we can rejoice.

    • The Lord Guides Our Way (vv. 23-24)

    Both the steps and the stops of the righteous are “established by the Lord, when he delights in his way” (v. 23).[6] We delight in God’s way just as God delights in ours (see v. 4). Like a loving father teaching his toddler how to walk, the Lord holds us by the hand as he guides our way: “Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand” (v. 24). We need not envy the wicked because the Lord has already prepared the path for each of us to follow.

    • The Lord Guards Our Children (vv. 25-26)

    Sometimes, however, our concern is not mainly for ourselves, but for our children. We compare them to others regarding their accomplishments, education, athletics, and popularity. We worry about how to protect them or provide for them. We try to be their functional god by governing every aspect of their lives. We despair to see them suffer or to watch them act like fools.

    Yet David testifies with age-worn wisdom: “I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing” (vv. 25b-26). Our offspring can often be a weak spot in our faith which holds us back from serving in ministry or giving generously to others. We might pour all our time, energy, and resources into our children’s well-being without fully trusting God to care for them. Our envy of the greedy distorts our priorities. Yet one of the best gifts to give our children is a generous spirit. As they see us serving and as they serve alongside us, they will become a blessing to others as well.

    • The Lord Grows Us in Holiness (vv. 27-29)

    Finally, “turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever” (v. 27). Progressive sanctification takes time. Though we are already God’s holy ones, he’s still making us into who we truly are (v. 28a-b). So, he promises the righteous eternal justice, friendship, preservation, and inheritance (vv. 28c, 29), “but the children of the wicked shall be cut off” (v. 28d). The finality of this forever future is emphasized throughout the Psalm (vv. 27, 28, 29, 37, 38).

    D.    Contrast Your Present Situation (vv. 30–34)

    The righteous live vastly different than the wicked in this present life.[7] And this change happens as the best treasure in the best storehouse creates the best results: “The law of his God is in his heart” (v. 31a). For a godly heart produces godly words (v. 30) and godly actions (v. 31b) which results in godly peace for the righteous who are hated by the wicked (vv. 32-34).

    E.    Compare Your Future Destiny (vv. 35–38)

    The righteous man rejoices in the present because he knows his future destiny: “His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (1:2-3).

    Yet here, David conjures up an evil contrast: “I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found” (37:35-36). The wicked love to show themselves off, but their fame, wealth, beauty, and power last only for a moment. If we blink, their glory suddenly disappears. Their future promises judgment and destruction (v. 38).

    Only the upright are guaranteed blessings in the future (v. 37). Only the blameless will enjoy God’s peace. The word shalom (also v. 11) means more than peace from conflict, but also wholeness, completeness, and fulness of life. And the ultimate blameless man we should “mark” is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For he did not envy the sinners who arrested him, accused him, and put him to death. As the “man of peace” he secured for us a future. Therefore, “behold the upright” man who saved us from sin’s destruction and invites us to rule and reign with him in his forever kingdom. Instead of looking at the world in envy, we must look to Jesus: our life, our future, our eternal destiny. Through Christ, God promises a glorious inheritance for those who delight in him.

    F.     Confide in God’s Salvation (vv. 39–40)

    David concludes Psalm 37 with a reminder to take the long view when we suffer life’s problems: “The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him” (vv. 39-40). The Lord is our salvation, our stronghold, our deliverer, and our refuge. In this present life, the wicked will get all the heaven they’re ever going to get, while all the hell the righteous get will only be here as well.

    Apply Psalm 37:

    1. Picture yourself as a shepherd in ancient Israel, scouring the countryside for pasture to feed your sheep. Identify the landscape imagery in Psalm 37 and reflect on its significance: The wicked wither like dried-up grass beneath the scorching sun (vv. 2, 20); The righteous dwell in the land and shepherd faithfully what God has given them (v. 3; see vv. 9, 11, 22, 27-29, 34); In days of famine, the righteous enjoy abundance (v. 19); The wicked are like a prideful tree, but they will not last forever (vv. 35-36).
    2. Reflect on this quote from C. S. Lewis: “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”[8] How does Psalm 37:4 help us reorder our desires?
    3. In what way are riches an unstable foundation (Ps 37:16-20; Prov 28:6)? Why is it better to put your trust in God (1 Tim 6:17)? How can you cultivate the discipline of becoming a generous giver (Pss 37:21, 26; 112:1-9; 2 Cor 8-9)?
    4. Compare God’s judgment of the wicked with his blessings for the righteous in Psalm 37. How do you observe this in your present situation? What has God promised about your future destiny?

    Counsel Psalm 37:

    Our counselees grow envious of the wicked whenever they compare themselves to the world. We can walk them through Psalm 37 to show them how to delight in God and enjoy their ultimate satisfaction in him. Their God-honoring heart desires will then transform their thoughts, words, and actions as well.

    Projects for Growth (Psalm 37)

    1. In which areas of life are you most tempted to envy the wicked: Happiness in marriage and family; Success at school, work, or ministry; Financial and material prosperity; Good health or physical prowess; Fulfilling relationships and social popularity?
    2. Show how meditating on God’s law (v. 31a) impacts your speech (v. 30) and behavior (v. 31b). Then, meditate on Scripture to fight against any temptations which arise from your envy:
      • Shortsighted impatience (vv. 2, 9-11, 20, 22, 28-29, 34)
      • Doubt in God and self-reliance (vv. 3, 5-6, 39-40)
      • Despair and discontentment (v. 4)
      • Fretful anger (vv. 1, 7-8)
      • Fear of man (vv. 12-15, 32-33, 38)
      • Fear about money and material provision (vv. 16-19, 21)
      • Fear over making decisions (vv. 23-24, 31)
      • Fear regarding family, especially children (vv. 25-26)
      • Temptation to continue in sin (v. 27)
      • Evil speaking (v. 30)
      • Prideful arrogance (vv. 35-36)
      • Restlessness and lack of shalom (vv. 11, 37)
    3. Memorize verses 3-5 and identify every aspect of Psalm 37 which teaches you to delight in the Lord. For example,
      • Trust in the Lord (v. 3) – Tend faithfully to your own pasture in the home, in relationships, in church ministry, etc.
      • Delight in the Lord (v. 4) – Take joy not merely in his gifts, but more so in the Giver. Let his glory shape your desires.
      • Commit to the Lord (vv. 5-6) – Roll your heavy burdens to him in prayer since you cannot lift them yourself.
      • Wait on the Lord (vv. 7-11) – Actively rest in his wisdom for life as he transforms your fretful anger into gentle meekness (Matt 11:28–29).
    4. How are both your steps and your stops established by the sovereign God (Ps 37:23)? Describe what it means to delight in your heavenly Father. How does he delight in you, his child?
    5. Pray Psalm 37:
      • Lord, keep me from fretful envy of the wicked (vv. 1, 7-8).
      • Instead, I commit to trust, obey, and delight in you (vv. 3-5).
      • Help me to stay satisfied with whatever you have given (v. 16).
      • Cultivate in me a heart of gracious generosity (v. 21).
      • Establish, O Lord, all my steps and stops in life (v. 23).
      • Thank you for being my Savior in times of trouble (vv. 39-40).

    [1] This term, charah, connotes fiery passion: “Do not get heatedly angry or enflamed with indignance.” We might translate it colloquially, “Keep your cool. Don’t be such a hothead” (see Prov 24:19).

    [2] Wilson posits a six-part structure divided by the repeated contrast the wicked who are “cut off” (karath) and the righteous who “inherit the land” (yarash) (Wilson, Psalms, 1:670). Hamilton suggests a chiastic structure focused on the same theme (Hamilton, Psalms, 1:401).

    [3] “To befriend” (reeh) can also mean “to shepherd, nurture, pasture.”

    [4] Charles Spurgeon, The Treasury of David (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1988), 1:171.

    [5] Psalm 37 contains many wisdom parallels to the book of Proverbs.

    Psalm 37Proverbs
    v. 123:17; 24:1, 19
    v. 516:3
    vv. 9, 11, 22, 29, 342:21
    v. 1615:16; 16:8
    v. 223:33
    v. 2320:24
    v. 2424:16
    v. 282:8, 22
    v. 3010:13, 31
    v. 321:11
    v. 3723:18
    v. 3824:20

    [6] “By the Lord” is emphatically placed at the beginning of the phrase.

    [7] We can identify eight contrasts between the wicked and the righteous in Psalm 37:9-38.

    The WickedThe Righteous
    “The evildoers shall be cut off” (v. 9)“Those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land” (v. 9)
    “The wicked will be no more” (v. 10)“The meek shall inherit the land” (v. 11)
    “The arms of the wicked shall be broken” (v. 17)“The LORD upholds the righteous” (v. 17)
    “The wicked will perish; . . . they vanish—like smoke they vanish away” (v. 20)“The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; they are not put to shame; . . . they have abundance” (vv. 18-19)
    “The wicked borrows but does not pay back” (v. 21)“The righteous is generous and gives” (v. 21)
    “Those cursed by him shall be cut off” (v. 22)“Those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land” (v. 22)
    “The children of the wicked shall be cut off” (v. 28)“The LORD . . . will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever” (v. 28)
    “Transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off” (v. 38)“There is a future for the man of peace” (v. 37)

    [8] C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, reprint ed. (New York: Harper Collins, 2001), 26.

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    Last updated on October 11, 2023