Verse 1. Fret not thyself because of evil doers ] It is as foolish as it is wicked to repine or be envious at the prosperity of others. Whether they are godly or ungodly, it is God who is the dispenser of the bounty they enjoy; and, most assuredly, he has a right to do what he will with his own.
To be envious in such a case, is to arraign the providence of God. And it is no small condescension in the Almighty to reason with such persons as he does in this Psalm.
Verses 1-6 - When we look abroad we see the world full of evil-doers, that flouris and live in ease. So it was seen of old, therefore let us not marvel a the matter. We are tempted to fret at this, to think them the onl happy people, and so we are prone to do like them: but this we ar warned against. Outward prosperity is fading. When we look forward with an eye of faith, we shall see no reason to envy the wicked. Their weeping and wailing will be everlasting. The life of religion is believing trust in the Lord, and diligent care to serve him accordin to his will. It is not trustingGod, but tempting him, if we do no make conscience of our duty to him. A man's life consists not i abundance, but, Thou shalt have food convenient for thee. This is mor than we deserve, and it is enough for one that is going to heaven. To delight in God is as much a privilege as a duty. He has not promised to gratify the appetites of the body, and the humours of the fancy, but the desires of the renewed, sanctified soul. What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this, to know, and love, and serve GodCommit thy way unto the Lord; roll thy way upon the Lord, so the margi reads it. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, the burden of thy care. We must roll it off ourselves, not afflict and perplex ourselves with thoughts about future events, but refer them to God. By prayer sprea thy case and all thy cares before the Lord, and trust in him. We mus do our duty, and then leave the event with God. The promise is very sweet: He shall bring that to pass, whatever it is, which thou ha committed to him.
