Psalms 38

1 A Psalm of David for remembrance concerning the Sabbath-day. O Lord, rebuke me not in your wrath, neither chasten me in your anger.

A psalm of David, for a memorial. Lord, please don't condemn me because you're angry with me; don't punish me because you're furious with me!

2 For your weapons are fixed in me, and you have pressed your hand heavily upon me.

Your arrows have pierced me deeply, your hand has come down hard on me.

3 For there is no health in my flesh because of your anger; there is no peace to my bones because of my sins.

Because you're so upset with me, not a single part of my body is healthy; I am completely sick because of my sins.

4 For my transgressions have gone over mine head: they have pressed heavily upon me like a weighty burden.

I'm drowning in guilt—the burden is too heavy to bear.

5 My bruises have become noisome and corrupt, because of my foolishness.

My wounds are infected—they're smelling—all because of my stupidity.

6 I have been wretched and bowed down continually: I went with a mourning countenance all the day.

I am bent over, doubled up in pain. The whole day I walk around crying my eyes out.

7 For my soul is filled with mockings; and there is no health in my flesh.

Inside I'm burning up with fever; no part of my body is healthy.

8 I have been afflicted and brought down exceedingly: I have roared for the groaning of my heart.

I'm worn out, totally down. I groan because of the anguish I feel in my heart.

9 But all my desire is before you; and my groaning is not hidden from you.

Lord, you know what I desperately want, you hear every sigh I make.

10 My heart is troubled, my strength has failed me; and the light of mine eyes is not with me.

My heart is racing, leaving me with no strength; my eyesight is failing.

11 My friends and my neighbours drew near before me, and stood still; and my nearest of kin stood afar off.

My 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.

12 While they pressed hard upon me that sought my soul: and they that sought my hurt spoke vanities, and devised deceits all the day.

Those 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.

13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and was as a dumb man not opening his mouth.

I act as if I'm deaf to what they're saying, and pretend to be dumb so I don't have to speak.

14 And I was as a man that hears not, and who has no reproofs in his mouth.

Like a man who can't hear, and who doesn't reply—that's me!

15 For I hoped in you, O Lord: you will hear, O Lord my God.

For I'm waiting on you, Lord! You will answer for me, my Lord and my God.

16 For I said, Lest mine enemies rejoice against me: for when my feet were moved, they spoke boastingly against me.

I'm asking you, Lord, please don't let my enemies gloat over me, don't let them be glad when I trip up.

17 For I am ready for plagues, and my grief is continually before me.

For I'm about ready to collapse—the pain never stops.

18 For I will declare mine iniquity, and be distressed for my sin.

I do confess my sins; I am terribly sorry for what I've done.

19 But mine enemies live, and are mightier than I: and they that hate me unjustly are multiplied.

I have many powerful enemies—they are very active, hating me for no reason.

20 They that reward evil for good slandered me; because I followed righteousness.

They pay me back evil for good; they accuse me for the good I try to do.

21 Forsake me not, O Lord my God: depart not from me.

Don't give up on me, my Lord and my God, don't stay away from me.

22 Draw near to my help, O Lord of my salvation.

Hurry, come and help me, Lord my salvation.