Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2518 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’re diving into Psalm 37, focusing on verses 1 through 7 from the New Living Translation. This portion of Scripture offers timeless wisdom for navigating life’s challenges, especially when we’re tempted to compare ourselves to others or feel overwhelmed by the apparent success of the wicked.
David, the author of this psalm, gives us practical and spiritual guidance for keeping our focus on God, trusting His timing, and living in peace. Let’s begin by reading the passage together:
Psalm 37:1-7 (NLT)
1 Don’t worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.
2 For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and He will give you your heart’s desires.
5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust Him, and He will help you.
6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for Him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Don’t Worry or Envy the Wicked (Verses 1-2):
David begins this psalm with clear instructions: “Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.” This is an important reminder because it’s easy to become frustrated when we see people who disregard God seemingly thriving in life. We may wonder why those who do wrong appear to prosper while those who strive to live righteously face struggles. David encourages us not to let these thoughts consume us.
In verse 2, David explains why: “For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither.” The success of the wicked is temporary, just like grass that withers under the sun or flowers that bloom briefly and fade. Their prosperity may look impressive for a time, but it will not last. God’s justice is inevitable, and the fleeting nature of worldly success is a reminder not to base our worth or focus on such things.
Instead of envying the wicked, David encourages us to trust in God’s plan and to rest in His timing. This perspective helps us stay grounded, knowing that God’s justice and eternal purposes far outweigh temporary appearances.
Trust in the Lord and Do Good (Verse 3):
In verse 3, David shifts our focus to what we should do instead: “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.” Trusting in the Lord means placing our faith in His character, His promises, and His sovereignty. It involves letting go of our need to control every outcome and instead relying on God’s wisdom and provision.
But trust isn’t passive—it’s paired...
