13 Instructions for Dealing with Mistreatment

When we face injustice, mistreatment, slander, hatred, jealousy, or resentment Psalm 37 has a rich message for us.

1. Don’t fret (worry). verses 1,8
See also: Philippians 4:6
2. Don’t envy the success of bad people. v.1
See also: 1 Corinthians 13:4
3. Trust, hope, and find refuge in the Lord. v. 3,9,40
See also: Proverbs 3:5
4. Commit our way to God. v.5
See also: Proverbs 3:6
5. Wait patiently for the Lord. v.7,34
See also: James 5:7-11
6. Don’t become angry. v.8
See also: James 1:19-20
7. Be content. v.16
See also: Philippians 4:12-13
8. Remember God cares for the righteous. v.18-19,23-24,28,32-33,39-40
See also: 1 Peter 3:12.
9. Remember God’s faithfulness. v.25
See also: Psalm 25:10
10. Don’t return evil. v.27
See also: Romans 12:17-21
11. Speak wisely. v.30
See also: James 1:5
12. Follow God’s Word. v.31
See also: Psalm 119:9-16
13. Look for Godly examples. v.37
See also: 1 Corinthians 11:1

Concerning the wicked:
1. The Lord laughs at them. v.13
2. Their plans will backfire. v.15
3. Their plans, lives, and memories will die. v.2,10,17,20,33,34,36,38

The righteous will:
1. Inherit “the land” (peace, a future). v.3,9,11,22,29,37,39
2. Be granted their desires. v.4*
3. Be proven right. v.6
4. Be loved and enjoyed by God. v.23,29
5. Not be condemned. v.33
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* The righteous will be granted their desires because they desire the will of God. For a full explanation see Whose Heart Desires

To see an example of creative journaling using Psalm 37, check out Psalm 37 - Jesus Journaling. 

Sometimes we gain understanding of a passage by writing bullet points (lists) of the truths it contains. Our lists may not all look the same (see the slightly different list below), but it's a helpful study tool for growing in our understanding of God's Word.