Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

PSALMS 37:8KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 37:8 (KJV)

What does Psalms 37:8 mean?

Psalms 37:8 urges the reader to stop being angry, to abandon rage, and not to let frustration drive them to do wrong. The verse warns that letting anger and worry take over can lead a person to harmful actions.

In this psalm, David is speaking to people who are troubled by the success of the wicked and are tempted to respond with anger or resentment. The verse is part of a larger message encouraging trust in God’s justice instead of reacting with negative emotions or taking matters into one’s own hands.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 37:8

  • "Cease" (רָפָה, raphah) means to let go or relax. Here, it suggests intentionally releasing anger rather than holding onto it.
  • "Anger" (אַף, aph) often refers to the flaring of the nostrils, a vivid picture for strong emotion or wrath.
  • "Forsake" (עָזַב, azav) means to leave behind or abandon, emphasizing a complete turning away from wrath.
  • "Fret" (חָרָה, charah) means to burn or become heated, pointing to the inner agitation that can push someone toward wrongdoing.

Why Psalms 37:8 matters

  • Psalms 37:8 clarifies that anger and agitation are not just emotions to manage but dangers that can lead to real harm if left unchecked.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme of the psalm, which is about trusting God’s timing and justice rather than reacting out of frustration when evil seems to prosper.
  • It helps the reader see that the call is not just to avoid outward violence, but also to address the inner turmoil that can lead to destructive choices.

Where else these words appear

“wise” Hebrew H389 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Exodus 12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
  • Joshua 22:19 Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God.

“Cease” Hebrew H7503 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 4:26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.
  • 1 Samuel 15:16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
  • Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

“evil” Hebrew H7489 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
  • 2 Kings 21:11 Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:
  • Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

“fret” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 6:15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
  • 2 Kings 23:26 Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal.