Psalms 38 — FBV
A psalm of David, for a memorial.
38Verse 1Lord, please don't condemn me because you're angry with me; don't punish me because you're furious with me!Verse 2Your arrows have pierced me deeply, your hand has come down hard on me.
Verse 3Because you're so upset with me, not a single part of my body is healthy; I am completely sick because of my sins.
Verse 4I'm drowning in guilt—the burden is too heavy to bear.
Verse 5My wounds are infected—they're smelling—all because of my stupidity.
Verse 6I am bent over, doubled up in pain. The whole day I walk around crying my eyes out.
Verse 7Inside I'm burning up with fever; no part of my body is healthy.
Verse 8I'm worn out, totally down. I groan because of the anguish I feel in my heart.
Verse 9Lord, you know what I desperately want, you hear every sigh I make.
Verse 10My heart is racing, leaving me with no strength; my eyesight is failing.
Verse 11My loved ones and my friends don't come near me because they're afraid of what I've got. Even my family keeps me at a distance.
Verse 12Those who are trying to kill me set traps for me; those who want to hurt me make threats against me, working on their deceitful schemes all day long.
Verse 13I act as if I'm deaf to what they're saying,+and pretend to be dumb so I don't have to speak.
Verse 14Like a man who can't hear, and who doesn't reply—that's me!
Verse 15For I'm waiting on you, Lord! You will answer for me, my Lord and my God.
Verse 16I'm asking you, Lord, please don't let my enemies gloat over me, don't let them be glad when I trip up.
Verse 17For I'm about ready to collapse—the pain never stops.
Verse 18I do confess my sins; I am terribly sorry for what I've done.
Verse 19I have many powerful enemies—they are very active, hating me for no reason.
Verse 20They pay me back evil for good; they accuse me for the good I try to do.
Verse 21Don't give up on me, my Lord and my God, don't stay away from me.
Verse 22Hurry, come and help me, Lord my salvation.