Psalm 37

Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not be envious of wrongdoers,
for they will soon fade like the grass,
and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will make your vindication shine like the light,
and the justice of your cause like the noonday.
Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
over those who carry out evil devices.
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
Do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Do not fret is a very soft translation of the Hebrew חָרָה or charah.

Literally it is to burn, figuratively to be consumed by anger.

Last evening I was angry, mostly because something caused me to fret.

The source of anger was a business proposal both too expensive and too speculative and suggesting the need to move on without the help of those making the proposal.

I fretted over how I could be effective without their help. A sense of my own powerlessness caused the anger.

I do not think those offering the proposal are "wicked." But I do perceive they "prosper in their own way," which is not consistent with the way to which I am currently called.

Do not fret.

Psalm 37