Psalm 38

A psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.

1Yahweh, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

2For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me.

3There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin.

4For my guilt has gone over my head; like a heavy burden, it is too heavy for me.

5My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness.

6I am bent over and bowed down completely; all day long I go around in mourning.

7For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh.

8I am numb and utterly crushed; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.

9Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you.

10My heart pounds, my strength has left me, and even the light of my eyes—it too is gone from me.

11My friends and companions stand back from my affliction, and those close to me stand far away.

12Those who seek my life set traps; those who want to harm me speak of ruin and plot deception all day long.

13But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear, like someone mute who does not open his mouth.

14I have become like a man who does not hear, who has no reply in his mouth.

15For I wait for you, Yahweh; you will answer, Lord my God.

16For I said, “Do not let them gloat over me; when my foot slips, they exalt themselves against me.”

17For I am ready to fall, and my pain is always before me.

18For I confess my guilt; I am troubled by my sin.

19But my enemies are vigorous and strong, and many are those who hate me wrongfully.

20Those who repay evil for good accuse me because I pursue what is good.

21Do not abandon me, Yahweh; my God, do not be far from me.

22Come quickly to help me, Lord, my salvation.