Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
God's people are not to be distressed, troubled, or fretting because of evildoers, even when evildoers prosper, oppose them, or appear to triumph. The same command forbids being envious or jealous toward workers of iniquity over their apparent success. The reason is that their success is brief and will not last, for they will soon wither and perish like grass that is cut down. In the face of opposition that spreads falsehoods, false accusations and taunts, takes advantage in attacking the cause, and gloats over a faithful person's weakness or illness, there is reason for confidence rather than despair.
The command rests on the fact that God reigns, so trust is to be turned away from evildoers and toward God. As judgment nears, people's true character and the company to which they belong will become plain. God reigns even while He is purifying His church, so distress over evildoers is unwarranted.
The prohibition on fretting also applies when needed work is held back by delay, even when the delay tries the soul and causes grief. The warning against fretting applies to life's trials and difficulties generally. They are not to be complained about or dwelt upon, since talking about them magnifies them. They are to be taken to God in prayer with remembrance that Christ is the Helper.
God's people are not to be distressed, troubled, or fretting because of evildoers, even when evildoers prosper, oppose them, or appear to triumph. The same command forbids being envious or jealous toward workers of iniquity over their apparent success. The reason is that their success is brief and will not last, for they will soon wither and perish like grass that is cut down. In the face of opposition that spreads falsehoods, false accusations and taunts, takes advantage in attacking the cause, and gloats over a faithful person's weakness or illness, there is reason for confidence rather than despair.
The command rests on the fact that God reigns, so trust is to be turned away from evildoers and toward God. As judgment nears, people's true character and the company to which they belong will become plain. God reigns even while He is purifying His church, so distress over evildoers is unwarranted.
The prohibition on fretting also applies when needed work is held back by delay, even when the delay tries the soul and causes grief. The warning against fretting applies to life's trials and difficulties generally. They are not to be complained about or dwelt upon, since talking about them magnifies them. They are to be taken to God in prayer with remembrance that Christ is the Helper.