Psalms 37:8
Psalms 37:8 in Multiple Translations
Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing.
Put an end to your wrath and be no longer bitter; do not give way to angry feeling which is a cause of sin.
Give up your anger! Let go of your rage! Don't get mad—it only results in evil!
Cease from anger, and leaue off wrath: fret not thy selfe also to doe euill.
Desist from anger, and forsake fury, Fret not thyself only to do evil.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret; it leads only to evildoing.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
For my loins are filled with illusions; and there is no health in my flesh.
Do not be angry about what wicked people do. Do not want to punish them yourself. Do not be envious of such people because you will only harm yourself if you try to envy them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 37:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 37:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֶ֣רֶף
מֵ֭/אַף
וַ/עֲזֹ֣ב
חֵמָ֑ה
אַל
תִּ֝תְחַ֗ר
אַךְ
לְ/הָרֵֽעַ
הֶ֣רֶף
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
מֵ֭/אַף
ʼaph
H639
face
Prep | N-ms
וַ/עֲזֹ֣ב
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
חֵמָ֑ה
chêmâh
H2534
rage
N-fs
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּ֝תְחַ֗ר
chârâh
H2734
to be incensed
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
לְ/הָרֵֽעַ
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 37:8
הֶ֣רֶף
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
מֵ֭/אַף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
וַ/עֲזֹ֣ב
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
חֵמָ֑ה
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
N-fs
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּ֝תְחַ֗ר
chârâh
H2734
"to be incensed"
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
לְ/הָרֵֽעַ
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 37:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 37:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 37:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:8
- Sermons on Psalms 37:8
Context — Delight Yourself in the LORD
6He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun.
7Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.
8Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.
9For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. 10Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:29 | A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:32 | He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city. |
| 3 | James 1:19–20 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. |
| 4 | Ephesians 4:31 | Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. |
| 5 | Ephesians 4:26 | “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, |
| 6 | Job 5:2 | For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. |
| 7 | James 3:14–18 | But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness. |
| 8 | Colossians 3:8 | But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. |
| 9 | Jonah 4:1 | Jonah, however, was greatly displeased, and he became angry. |
| 10 | Jonah 4:9 | Then God asked Jonah, “Have you any right to be angry about the plant?” “I do,” he replied. “I am angry enough to die!” |
Psalms 37:8 Summary
[This verse is telling us to let go of our anger and not worry about things, because it can only hurt us. When we choose to trust God and stay calm, we can respond to difficult situations in a more peaceful way. As it says in Psalms 23:4, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.' By trusting in God's goodness and presence, we can find peace and calm in the midst of challenging circumstances.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to refrain from anger and abandon wrath?
This means to let go of intense feelings of anger and hostility, choosing instead to respond to situations in a calm and peaceful manner, as seen in Proverbs 15:1, which says, 'A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.'
Why should I not fret, according to this verse?
Fretting, or worrying, can only bring harm, as it can lead to anxiety, stress, and a lack of trust in God's sovereignty, as warned against in Matthew 6:34, which says, 'Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.'
How can I practically apply this verse in my daily life?
By choosing to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances, and by responding to challenging situations with patience and calmness, as encouraged in Psalms 46:10, which says, 'Be still and know that I am God.'
What is the relationship between anger, wrath, and fretting in this verse?
The verse suggests that anger and wrath can lead to fretting, which in turn can bring harm, highlighting the importance of addressing the root causes of anxiety and stress, such as unforgiveness and unbelief, as seen in Ephesians 4:32, which says, 'Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life that tend to trigger anger or wrath, and how can I respond to them in a more godly way?
- In what ways do I 'fret' or worry about things, and how can I trust God more in those areas?
- How does my response to challenging situations reflect my trust in God's sovereignty and goodness?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'refrain from anger and abandon wrath' in my daily interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:8
Cease from anger,.... Either at these wicked men who are so prosperous, or at God, who for the present suffers it; see Jonah 4:9 Proverbs 19:3; and forsake wrath; which is anger wrought up to a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. Fret not thyself ... to do evil. The Hebrew [ 'ak (H389)] is, 'inflame not thyself ... ONLY for evil' - i:e., which can have no other result but evil.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:8
Cease from anger; either against the sinner for his success; or against God for so disposing of things, as Jonah Was, . To do evil; or, at least so far as to do evil. If any such anger or grief do secretly arise in thee, take care that it do not transport thee, either to reproach or distrust God’ s providence, or to the dislike of his ways, or to an approbation or imitation of the wicked practices of those men in hopes of the same success.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:8
Psalms 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.Ver. 8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath] Repetitio est, ut magis iuculcet, saith Vatablus; This precept is doubled and redoubled, that we may the better retain and practise it. Angry a man may be, and must be at evildoers, inasmuch as they break God’ s law, Psalms 119:134, pollute his name, Ezekiel 36:20; Ezekiel 36:23 Romans 2:23-24; procure the judgments of God upon others also, Joshua 22:18; pull down swift destruction upon themselves, 2 Peter 2:1 Romans 2:5. Thus Moses was angry, Exodus 32:19; and our Saviour, Mark 3:5; yet not so angry but that they could at some time pity those they were displeased with, and pray for them too. This they that cannot do are inordinately and sinfully angry, and must at any rate suppress such passionate distempers. Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil] And he shall have nmch ado not to overdo, not to do amiss, that bridleth not his passions; for these, like heavy bodies down steep hills, once in motion, move themselves, and seldom know any ground but the bottom. Ne igitur accendaris ira saltem ad malefaciendum. Kimchi rendereth it, Ne misceas teipsum, Come not in company with the ungodly, at least to do evil; to do as they do. So to those words in the first verse, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers," the Chaldee addeth, to be like unto them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 37:8
(8) In any wise to do evil . . .—Better, only to do evil, i.e., only evil can come of it. Comp. Proverbs 14:23, “tendeth only to penury.”
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:8
1–11. Warnings and counsels for times of temptation.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:8
Cease from anger - That is, in reference to the fact that there are wicked people, and that they are permitted to carry out their plans.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:8
8. Cease from anger—See on this rebuke of the avenging passions of men, James 1:20, and Romans 12:19. The phrase is to the same effect as “fret not thyself,” Psalms 37:1, and in the second member of this verse.
Sermons on Psalms 37:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Basics) 67. Anger by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the destructive nature of anger and how it gives the devil an opportunity in our lives. He refers to the Bible verse in Ephesians 4:26-27, w |
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Overcoming Hostility by Steve Mays | In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays addresses the issue of anger and hostility in both society and within the church. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming anger and not allowin |
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The Taming of Anger by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of thoughts in the manifestation of anger, asserting that all sins, including anger, begin in the heart and mind. He explains that quick-temp |
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Righteous Indignation by Harmon A. Baldwin | Harmon A. Baldwin delves into the concept of righteous indignation, exploring the fine line between this and what is commonly known as anger or impatience. Various definitions and |
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Beyond Your Faults by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of not fretting or being anxious, as it leads to evil-doing. She encourages the congregation to focus on prayer instead of worrying, |
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Outline of Job: Wrong Questions, Wrong Assumptions by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three debates that occur in the book of Job. The first debate, chapters four to 14, is described as "hot" with strong words being spoken. The |
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Foundations for Marriage by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of communication and learning in marriage. They emphasize that many of the principles for a successful marriage can also be app |