The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Psalms 37

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Psalms chapter 37 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.” — the complete text of all 40 verses is below, free to read online.

1A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.

2For they shall soon wither like the grass, and fade as the green herb.

3Trust in HaShem, and do good; dwell in the land, and cherish faithfulness.

4So shalt thou delight thyself in HaShem; and He shall give thee the petitions of thy heart.

5Commit thy way unto HaShem; trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass.

6And He will make thy righteousness to go forth as the light, and thy right as the noonday.

7Resign thyself unto HaShem, and wait patiently for Him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing.

9For evil-doers shall be cut off; but those that wait for HaShem, they shall inherit the land.

10And yet a little while, and the wicked is no more; yea, thou shalt look well at his place, and he is not.

11But the humble shall inherit the land, and delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12The wicked plotteth against the righteous, and gnasheth at him with his teeth.

13The L-rd doth laugh at him; for He seeth that his day is coming.

14The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow; to cast down the poor and needy, to slay such as are upright in the way;

15Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16Better is a little that the righteous hath than the abundance of many wicked.

17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; but HaShem upholdeth the righteous.

18HaShem knoweth the days of them that are wholehearted; and their inheritance shall be for ever.

19They shall not be ashamed in the time of evil; and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20For the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of HaShem shall be as the fat of lambs--they shall pass away in smoke, they shall pass away.

21The wicked borroweth, and payeth not; but the righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth.

22For such as are blessed of Him shall inherit the land; and they that are cursed of Him shall be cut off.

23It is of HaShem that a man's goings are established; and He delighted in his way.

24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for HaShem upholdeth his hand.

25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26All the day long he dealeth graciously, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

27Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28For HaShem loveth justice, and forsaketh not His saints; they are preserved for ever; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

30The mouth of the righteous uttereth wisdom, and his tongue speaketh justice.

31The law of his G-d is in his heart; none of his steps slide.

32The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

33HaShem will not leave him in his hand, nor suffer him to be condemned when he is judged.

34Wait for HaShem, and keep His way, and He will exalt thee to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

35I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a leafy tree in its native soil.

36But one passed by, and, lo, he was not; yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37Mark the man of integrity, and behold the upright; for there is a future for the man of peace.

38But transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.

39But the salvation of the righteous is of HaShem; He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

40And HaShem helpeth them, and delivereth them; He delivereth them from the wicked, and saveth them, because they have taken refuge in Him.

40 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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