“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.” – Psalm 37:8-9 (ESV)
In this passage and in this whole Psalm 37 we’re instructed to not fret. ‘Fret’ is not a word with popular use but we understand what it means. ‘Fret’ is used for: eating or gnawing, causing emotional stress, even passing time uselessly is fretting, becoming vexed or worried, and there are others. Worried is the most familiar definition. Our instruction first of all to avoid fretful anger and wrath which leads us to do evil. Forget the evildoers who make us angry. Especially those who prosper at their evil doing. Politicians who abuse their power and amass wealth from their deals in office – don’t fret about them. A crooked business man who scoffs at the law, cuts corners, and gains power, fame, and fortune. A celebrity who scoffs God and those who believe in God while using their fame to capture an audience. Yet offended people continue to buy tickets, continue to add to their bank accounts. Endless examples exist. But God promises first the evildoers will have their day, they will be cut off AND we who don’t fret, but wait for the Lord will be rewarded with promised inheritance and eternal life.
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Esengo Mingi 