Do not fret because of evil-doers; be not envious toward wrongdoers (Psalm 37:1).

The title of this article makes me guilty of turning a noun into a verb.  We don’t use the word “fret” much in the 21st Century. The word means to be incensed, angry, or indignant.  It’s a strong word.  The Psalmist isn’t telling us that we shouldn’t be angry at sin.  There is a righteous anger against sin because sin is rebellion against God (Eph. 4:25, 26).  But as the psalmist is revealing, our anger should not be motivated by envy.  We should not seek to be like those who profit through wickedness.  Why?  Well, besides the fact that it dishonors God, look at the end of those who get ahead through wickedness.

For they will wither quickly like the grass, and fade like the green herb. (Psalm 37:2).

Later on the psalmist writes:

Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; and you will look for his place, and he will not be there Psalm 37:10).

The reality is that wicked people do succeed.  Christians can see the success of the wicked and wonder how God can let it happen.  Keep in mind that the success of the wicked is only temporary.  If we view success the way God views success then we will seek His way.  We will seek to keep our conscience clear before God, so that in whatever we do we will not sin.

 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).

And what is the way that God views success?

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.  Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it (Psalm 37:4, 5).

God’s desires become your desires when you serve Him with contentment and faithfulness.  Living this way frees you from being envious of evil-doers.  If you have this attitude then your conscience will be clean before God, and their is no value that can be placed on a clean conscience.