Do not fret over those who do evil;
The instruction not to fret suggests a call to remain calm and trust in God's sovereignty. In the ancient Near Eastern context, where justice was often delayed, the temptation to worry about the prosperity of the wicked was strong. This phrase encourages believers to maintain faith in God's ultimate justice, as seen in other scriptures like Proverbs 24:19-20, which similarly advises against fretting over evildoers. The Hebrew word for "fret" can also imply burning with anger, highlighting the emotional turmoil that can arise from witnessing injustice.

do not envy those who do wrong.
Envying wrongdoers is a common human response when they seem to prosper despite their actions. This phrase warns against such envy, reminding believers that the success of the wicked is temporary. The cultural context of the time often equated material prosperity with divine favor, making it challenging for the righteous to understand why the wicked thrived. This theme is echoed in Psalm 73, where the psalmist initially envies the prosperity of the wicked but ultimately recognizes their end. The call is to focus on eternal values rather than temporary gains, aligning with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

David’s name at the outset grounds the psalm in real history and experience. As the shepherd-king who spent years dodging Saul’s spears (1 Samuel 18:10–11) and hiding in caves (1 Samuel 24), he writes with credibility about living among “those who do evil.” His life shows:

• God’s promises never fail, even when the wicked seem to have the upper hand (2 Samuel 7:8-16).

• The righteous can wait confidently for the Lord’s timing (Psalm 18:1-3).

The heading reminds us that this counsel is not abstract theory; it flows from a man who learned firsthand that God vindicates His servants (Psalm 34:19-22).

“Do not fret” in the calls us to refuse anxiety when evil prospers.

• Psalm 73 paints the same picture: the arrogant grow rich, yet Asaph decides, “God is the strength of my heart” (Psalm 73:26).

• Jesus echoes the theme in Matthew 6:25-34, urging us not to worry but to “seek first the kingdom of God.”

• Philippians 4:6-7 adds that steadfast prayer and gratitude guard our hearts with God’s peace.

The command is present and ongoing: whenever the news cycle, a workplace injustice, or cultural tides stir agitation, we choose steady trust. David is not minimizing evil; he is refusing to let it dominate his inner life. The Lord remains sovereign (Psalm 33:10-11), so fretting is both unnecessary and unproductive.

Envy grows when we measure life by temporary success. Scripture repeatedly warns against this trap.

• Proverbs 24:1-2 says, “Do not envy wicked men… for their hearts devise violence.”

• Proverbs 23:17 advises, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the Lord.”

• James 3:16 notes that envy breeds “disorder and every evil practice.”

Instead of resentment, believers adopt an eternal perspective:

• The wicked flourish “like grass” only to be cut down (Psalm 37:2).

• Our inheritance is safeguarded by God (1 Peter 1:4), while their apparent gains lack permanence (Luke 12:16-21).

Choosing not to envy frees us to love, pray for, and even bless our enemies (Romans 12:17-21), displaying the same grace we have received.

Psalm 37:1 calls us to a calm, envy-free confidence in God’s righteous rule. David’s life proves that trusting the Lord, rather than fretting or comparing, leads to peace. Because Scripture is true and certain, we can rest in the assurance that God will deal with evil, reward faithfulness, and keep every promise in His perfect time.

Neither be thou envious . . .--This has a similar root-meaning (comp. our "burn with jealousy"), and so is in close parallelism with "fret." This verse occurs almost word for word in Proverbs 3:31; Proverbs 23:16; Proverbs 24:1. and Psalm 73:3. . . .