Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;
The verse warns not to fret, be distressed, or be troubled because of evil men, nor to be envious of the wicked, especially over their success. It is a practical saying about everyday conduct and moral duty. Together with the verse that follows it, it forbids repaying others in kind or taking revenge, leaving judgment to God.
The warning applies when the wicked prosper and receive wealth, honor, and praise while God's people suffer poverty, contempt, or ridicule for keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. The proper response then is not to envy their present prosperity but to seek God's perspective on the end of the wicked, as David did in the sanctuary.
The verse warns not to fret, be distressed, or be troubled because of evil men, nor to be envious of the wicked, especially over their success. It is a practical saying about everyday conduct and moral duty. Together with the verse that follows it, it forbids repaying others in kind or taking revenge, leaving judgment to God.
The warning applies when the wicked prosper and receive wealth, honor, and praise while God's people suffer poverty, contempt, or ridicule for keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. The proper response then is not to envy their present prosperity but to seek God's perspective on the end of the wicked, as David did in the sanctuary.