Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices. Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret—it leads only to evil. (Psalm 37: 1-8)
Do not worry, do not become angry, literally do not burn because of the wicked. There are more than a dozen Hebrew words for wicked. In Psalm 37 we read of ra'a and rahshah.
There is an implication that to be wicked is to be broken. The image is of being shattered in many pieces. The wicked seek to break and divide. The wicked are trapped in their own brokeness and are consumed by evil plots - mezimmaw - to shatter the wholeness of others. The psalmist promises that "their sword will enter their own heart."
In love we are called to bind up what is broken. We are empowered to do this by claiming our wholeness with God.
Do not worry, do not become angry, literally do not burn because of the wicked. There are more than a dozen Hebrew words for wicked. In Psalm 37 we read of ra'a and rahshah.
There is an implication that to be wicked is to be broken. The image is of being shattered in many pieces. The wicked seek to break and divide. The wicked are trapped in their own brokeness and are consumed by evil plots - mezimmaw - to shatter the wholeness of others. The psalmist promises that "their sword will enter their own heart."
In love we are called to bind up what is broken. We are empowered to do this by claiming our wholeness with God.
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