Psalms 37:7

Psalms 37:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

Rest in Jehovah, 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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Take your rest in the Lord, waiting quietly for him; do not be angry because of the man who does well in his evil ways, and gives effect to his bad designs.

Free Bible Version FBV

Be still in God's presence; wait patiently for him. Don't be upset over people who prosper when they carry out their evil schemes.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Waite patiently vpon the Lord and hope in him: fret not thy selfe for him which prospereth in his way: nor for the man that bringeth his enterprises to passe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Be silent for Jehovah, and stay thyself for Him, Do not fret because of him Who is making prosperous his way, Because of a man doing wicked devices.

World English Bible WEB

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I am become miserable, and am bowed down even to the end: I walked sorrowful all the day long.

Translation for Translators T4T

Be quiet in Yahweh’s presence, and wait patiently for him to do what you want him to do. Do not be bothered/upset when what evil men do is successful, when they are able to do the wicked things that they plan.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 37:7

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 37:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB דּ֤וֹם לַ/יהוָה֮ וְ/הִתְח֪וֹלֵ֫ל ל֥/וֹ אַל תִּ֭תְחַר בְּ/מַצְלִ֣יחַ דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ בְּ֝/אִ֗ישׁ עֹשֶׂ֥ה מְזִמּֽוֹת

דּ֤וֹם dâmam H1826 to silence V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לַ/יהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

וְ/הִתְח֪וֹלֵ֫ל chûwl H2342 to twist Conj | V-r-Impv-2ms

ל֥/וֹ Prep | Suff

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תִּ֭תְחַר chârâh H2734 to be incensed V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms

בְּ/מַצְלִ֣יחַ tsâlach H6743 to rush Prep | V-Hiphil

דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ derek H1870 way N-cs | Suff

בְּ֝/אִ֗ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms

עֹשֶׂ֥ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal

מְזִמּֽוֹת mᵉzimmâh H4209 plot N-fp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 37:7

דּ֤וֹם dâmam H1826 "to silence" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

In the original Hebrew, this verb means to wail or mourn, often in response to a tragic event, like in Job 30:31 where Job laments his suffering. It can also mean to be astonished or stop an activity.

Definition: : stationary 1) to be silent, be still, wait, be dumb, grow dumb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be silent 1a2) to be still, die 1a3) to be struck dumb 1b) (Niphal) to be silenced, be made silent, destroyed 1c) (Poal) to make quiet 1d) (Hiphil) to make silent (cause to die)

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait. See also: Exodus 15:16; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 4:5.

לַ/יהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וְ/הִתְח֪וֹלֵ֫ל chûwl H2342 "to twist" Conj | V-r-Impv-2ms

This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.

Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed

Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.

ל֥/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

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.

תִּ֭תְחַר 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.

בְּ/מַצְלִ֣יחַ tsâlach H6743 "to rush" Prep | V-Hiphil

To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.

Definition: (Qal) to rush

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.

דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ derek H1870 "way" N-cs | Suff

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

בְּ֝/אִ֗ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

עֹשֶׂ֥ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

מְזִמּֽוֹת mᵉzimmâh H4209 "plot" N-fp

This Hebrew word means a plan or plot, which can be either good or evil. It appears in the Bible as a device, discretion, or intent. In the KJV, it is translated as a wicked device or witty invention.

Definition: 1) purpose, discretion, device, plot 1a) purpose 1b) discretion 1c) devices (evil)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly. See also: Job 21:27; Proverbs 3:21; Psalms 10:2.

Study Notes — Psalms 37:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 37:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:7
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 37:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:7
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:7
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:7
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:7
Sermons on Psalms 37:7

Context — Delight Yourself in the LORD

5Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	James 5:7–11	Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
2	Psalms 27:14	Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!
3	Psalms 62:5	Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him.
4	Hebrews 10:36–37	You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.
5	Proverbs 20:22	Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
6	Lamentations 3:25–26	The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
7	Habakkuk 2:3	For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.
8	Jeremiah 12:1	Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
9	Psalms 40:1	I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.
10	Isaiah 30:15	For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence— but you were not willing.”

Psalms 37:7 Summary

Psalms 37:7 is telling us to calm down and trust God, even when things seem unfair or confusing. It means we should stop worrying and trying to control everything, and instead, wait patiently for God to work things out (as seen in Psalms 37:5, which says 'Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it'). When we do this, we can have peace, knowing that God is in control and will bring about justice in the end, as stated in Psalms 37:9. By being still and waiting patiently, we demonstrate our trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'be still before the LORD' in Psalms 37:7?

To be still before the LORD means to quiet our minds and hearts, trusting in His sovereignty and timing, as seen in Psalms 46:10, where it says 'Be still and know that I am God'. This is an act of faith, acknowledging that God is in control, even when we do not understand the circumstances around us.

Why are we told not to fret when men prosper in their ways?

We are told not to fret because God is just and will ultimately bring about justice, as stated in Psalms 37:9, which says 'For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land'. Fretting can lead to anxiety and a lack of trust in God's plan.

How can we wait patiently for God when it seems like He is not acting?

Waiting patiently for God requires trust and faith, as seen in Psalms 27:14, which says 'Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD'. It means we must focus on God's character and promises, rather than our circumstances, and trust that He is working everything out for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.

What is the relationship between being still and waiting patiently?

Being still and waiting patiently are closely related, as being still allows us to wait patiently, trusting in God's plan and timing, rather than trying to take matters into our own hands, as warned against in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight'.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to 'be still' and trust God, rather than trying to control the situation?
How can I cultivate patience in my daily life, especially when faced with difficult or trying circumstances?
What are some promises of God that I can hold onto when I feel like He is not acting, and how can I apply them to my life?
In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty, even when I do not understand what is happening around me?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 37:7

Rest in the Lord,.... Or "be silent to the Lord" (p); 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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 37:7

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 37:7

Rest in the Lord, Heb. Be silent unto, or for, or because of the Lord, i.e. do not murmur nor repine at his dealings, but silently and quietly submit to his will, and adore his judgments, and, as it follows, wait for his help. This advice and command is pressed again and again, to teach us how hard it is to learn and practise this lesson. In his way, i.e. in his evil way, as it is limited in the following words.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 37:7

Psalms 37:7 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.Ver. 7. Rest in the Lord] Heb. Be silent to the Lord; Digito compesce labellum, lay thine hand upon thy mouth when chafing ripe, when ready to let fly at those that wrong thee. The more silent the patient is the more shrill the wrong will be; as, Numbers 12:2, while Moses is dumb, God speaks; deaf, God hears and stirs; the less he said and did the more God struck in for him: and the less any man striveth for himself the more is God his champion; so he do it to the Lord, that is, in obedience to him, and not for a name, as some heathens did. And wait patiently for him] Or, put thyself to pain for him; that is, though it go against the hair with thee, and thou find it hard to suffer evil, and to wait patiently for better, yet do it for his sake, and therein thou shalt do thyself no disservice at all. Who bringeth wicked devices to pass] And pleaseth himself in them, because for present he prospereth; as Dionysius did in his sacrilege, because no harm to him followed upon it. Saeculi laetitia est impunita nequitia, saith Austin.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 37:7

(7) Rest . . .—Better, Hush! Be still! See margin. The good man, seeing merit unrewarded and wickedness, on the other hand, constantly successful, is tempted to repine. For a later echo of the poet’s thought, irradiated by Christian hope, we may recur to Coleridge’s well-known “Complaint” and its “reproof.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 37:7

Verse 7. Rest in the Lord] דום dom, "be silent, be dumb." Do not find fault with thy Maker; he does all things well for others, he will do all things well for thee. And wait patiently for him] והתחולל לו vehithcholel lo, and set thyself to expect him; and be determined to expect, or wait for him. Such is the import of a verb in the hithpoel conjugation. A heathen gives good advice on a similar subject: - Nil ergo optabunt homines? Si consilium vis, Permittes ipsis expendere Numinibus, quid Conveniat nobis, rebusque sit utile nostris. Nam pro jucundis aptissima quaeque dabunt Di. Carior est illis homo, quam sibi. Juv. Sat. x. 346. "What then remains? Are we deprived of will? Must we not wish, for fear of wishing ill? Receive my counsel, and securely move; Intrust thy pastime to the powers above. Leave them to manage for thee, and to grant What their unerring wisdom sees thee want. In goodness, as in greatness, they excel: Ah, that we loved ourselves but half so well!" DRYDEN.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 37:7

7. Stanza of Daleth. The remedy for impatience. Rest in the Lord] Or, Be still before (Heb. be silent to) the Lord (R.V. marg.), in the calmness of faith. Cp. Psalms 62:1; Psalms 62:5; and for illustration see Isaiah 7:4; Isaiah 30:15. who bringeth wicked devices to pass] Lit. who doeth (cp. Psalms 37:1 b, and contrast Psalms 37:3; Psalms 37:5 b) crafty devices.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 37:7

Rest in the Lord - Margin, “Be silent to the Lord.” The Hebrew word means to be mute, silent, still: Job 29:21; Leviticus 10:3; Lamentations 3:28.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 37:7

7. Rest in the Lord—Literally, be silent to the Lord. Hush the heart into quietness from fear and questioning. See Psalms 131

Sermons on Psalms 37:7

	Sermon	Description
	An Old Doctor's Spiritual Prescription by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and worry that people experience in a world filled with tension and uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's pr
	Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength
	Home Before Dark by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal testimony about the importance of giving testimonies and sharing one's individual experiences. He references Psalm 66:16-20
	Life of David by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the story of Peter in the 12th chapter of Acts, where he was imprisoned and about to be beheaded. The preacher then transitions t
	Feeding Christ (Time for Renewal Conference) by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Luke 17:7-10, where Jesus tells a parable about a servant and his master. The preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God
	A Touch From God - Part 3 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and seeking His presence, highlighting the consequences of spiritual adultery and the need to come out from places of d
	God's Grief Over His People by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the minister shares various stories and concerns about the state of the church and God's people. He mentions a pastor whose wife left him, grandparents who feel dis