Definition: [A Psalm] of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down Psalm 37:1 – “A Psalm of David. Fret not yourself because of evil people, neither be envious against those who are working iniquity.” Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is a message of comfort and reassurance. It’s telling David (a man who wrote this psalm) that you don't need to worry too much about the bad people around you. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “A Psalm of David…” – This means it’s a poem written by David, likely during a difficult time. Poetry often deals with emotions and feelings, so this verse is a personal expression of his thoughts and experiences. “…Fret not yourself…” – This is the core message. "Fret" means to worry or be anxious. So, this verse encourages you not to worry about bad people. It’s saying don't get upset or anxious because of them. “Because of evil people…” - This refers to people who are doing wrong and causing problems. It’s not necessarily a person being completely evil, but rather someone who is acting in ways that aren’t right or moral. “…neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” – This is where it gets a little deeper. “Iniquity” means wrongdoing, wickedness, or immoral behavior. “Workers of iniquity” refers to people who are involved in bad things – perhaps those who are dishonest, selfish, or harmful. This verse asks you not to be envious of them. Envy is feeling jealous and bitter about someone else's good fortune. It’s saying don't hold onto a grudge or feel angry at these people because they're doing wrong. So, the whole message is about finding peace of mind. David wants you to focus on your own goodness and trust in God. He's telling you to not let negativity from others distract you from your responsibility to be good and to follow God’s will. In a nutshell: Don’t worry about the bad people around you; focus on being kind, honest, and trusting in God. --- Would you like me to explain any of these parts further? For example, we could talk about: The context of Psalm 37 – when was it written and why? What “iniquity” means in a broader sense? How this verse relates to Christian principles (like forgiveness)?