* As we observe our world today, it is obvious that many "bad" people are getting rich, gaining power, and abusing power, often at the expense of the "good" and humble people.

* "In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
who are caught in the schemes he devises.
He boasts of the cravings (desires) of his heart;
he blesses the greedy and reviles (renounces) the LORD.
In his pride the wicked does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
His ways are always prosperous;
he is haughty and [God's] laws are far from him" (Psalm 10:2-5, NIV)

1. When you see a bad person (or bad people) gain success, riches or power, how do you feel? If you are a believer attempting to do the right things, but see bad people gaining advantage over you (and other believers), how do you feel?

What Not to Do
* Read Psalm 37:1-11. Three times, David says, "Do not fret," (37:1, 7, 8). He also says, "[Do not] be envious" (37:1); and "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath" (37:1, 8).

2. Sometimes good people get disturbed and angry when they see bad people prospering (having success). What (or whom) are they angry at?

Why Not to Do It

3. Why should good people not fret because of bad people, or envy those who do wrong? Why should good people turn away from anger and rage? (37:2, 8-10)

* "A man who has riches without understanding
is like the beasts that perish" (Psalm 49:20, NIV)

* "Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked" (Psalm 37:16, NIV)

What to Do
* Instead of fretting because of bad people, what should we do?

§ "Trust in the LORD and do good" (v. 3).
§ "Delight yourself in the LORD" (v. 4).
§ "Commit your way to the LORD" (v. 5).
§ "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him" (v. 7).

* Each of these actions involves "the LORD." God is "the LORD" to people who have a relationship with Him through faith. Trust (in Jesus Christ) is the fundamental thing to do.

4. How can we "delight ourselves in the LORD?" What does this mean?

Why to Do It

5. As believers, why should we attempt to live righteous lives when it seems the bad people are getting along fine in this world? (It may even seem their ways work better!)

* We should trust in the LORD, do good, delight in Him, and commit our lives to Him because He is God - the Designer, Creator, and Ruler of the universe. Our purpose is to serve Him. This is the essence of life. When we respond to God in the right way…

§ We will enjoy the LORD's blessing, provision and protection (v. 3).
§ The LORD will give us the desires of our heart (v. 4).
§ The LORD will make it known that our behavior is righteous and our cause is just (v. 6).
§ We will "inherit the land" and enjoy great peace (v. 9, 11).
* Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).

Reflection/Application
† Is your way of life more like the "good people" or the "bad people?" (Consider footnote 1) Do you need to trust in the Lord? As a believer, are you truly delighting in the Lord? Read & reflect on psalms like Psalm 27. Constantly pray to the Lord, seeking to grow closer to Him.