Psalms 37:7

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

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Psalms 37:7 in Other Translations

KJV
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
ESV
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!
NLT
7 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
MSG
7 Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don't bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.
CSB
7 Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the man who carries out evil plans.

Psalms 37:7 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 37:7

Rest in the Lord
Or "be silent to the Lord" F16; be still, and know that he is God; quietly submit to his will, and acquiesce in all the dispensations of his providence: it does not design a stupid indolence, or a stoical apathy, that we should be like sticks and stones, without any concern at the hand of God upon us; nor an entire silence under afflictions; we should own that they are of God, and that we are deserving of them; we should pray to him to sanctify them, to support under them, and deliver out of them; we should bless his name that they are no worse, and that they are any ways useful to us; and we should speak to others of the divine goodness experienced under them; but this stands opposed to an arraigning or murmuring at the providence of God, and intends a patient bearing the hand of God, and a resignation of will to his will; for it follows,

and wait patiently for him:
for the enjoyment of him, help from him, and deliverance by him;

fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of
the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass;
this explains the sense of ( Psalms 37:1 ) ; it being often an additional uneasiness to the people of God under affliction, when they observe the prosperity of men that go on in a sinful way, and have all or more than heart can wish; and whatever they contrive and devise, though wicked and criminal.


FOOTNOTES:

F16 (hwhyl Mwd) "tace Domino", Pagninus, Montanus; "sile", Musculus, Piscator, Tigurine version, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis; so Ainsworth.

Psalms 37:7 In-Context

5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

Cross References 5

  • 1. S Exodus 14:14; S Isaiah 41:1; Psalms 62:5; Lamentations 3:26
  • 2. S Psalms 27:14; Psalms 40:1; Psalms 130:5; Isaiah 38:13; Habakkuk 3:16; Romans 8:25
  • 3. ver 1
  • 4. Jeremiah 12:1
  • 5. Psalms 21:11; Psalms 26:10; Psalms 119:150
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