Psalm 38
Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
A Psalm by David. To bring to remembrance.
Opening Plea
1
Lord, do not rebuke me in anger.
Do not discipline me in wrath.
The Greatness of David's Burden
2Indeed, your arrows have stuck in me.
Your hand has come down on me.
3There is no health in my flesh because of your rage.
There is no wellness in my bones because of my sin,
4because my guilt has gone over my head.
Like a heavy burden, it is too heavy for me.
5My wounds stink and ooze because of my folly.
6I am drooping. I am completely bent over.
All day long I go around mourning.
7Even my back burns with pain.[] My whole body[] is unhealthy. 8I have become numb. I am totally crushed.
I groan loudly because of my anxious thoughts.
9Lord, all my needs lie before you.
My sighs are not hidden from you.
10My heart beats quickly. My strength leaves me.
Even the light of my eyes is gone from me.
11My loved ones and my friends stand far away
because of the blow I have suffered.
My neighbors stand at a distance.
12Those who pursue my life set traps.
Those who seek to harm me talk about my ruin.
All day long they plot deception.
13I am deaf. I cannot hear.
Like a mute person, I cannot open my mouth.
14I am like a man who cannot hear.
No response comes from his mouth.
David's Confidence of Delivery
15Yet I wait for you, Lord.
You will answer, O Lord my God.
16So I said, “Do not let them celebrate because of me.
Do not let them gloat when my foot slips.”
17Look! I am about to fall,
and I am always in pain,
18so I declare my guilt,
and I am troubled by my sin.
19My aggressive enemies are numerous.
Those who hate me for no reason are many.
20Those who repay evil for good
slander me because I pursue what is good.
Closing Plea
21Do not forsake me, O Lord.
My God, do not be far from me.
22Hurry to help me, O Lord, my salvation.