Psalms 38

1 A psalm for David, for a remembrance of the sabbath. Rebuke me not, O Lord, in thy indignation; nor chastise me in thy wrath.

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 thy arrows are fastened in me: and thy hand hath been strong upon me.

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

3 There is no health in my flesh, because of thy wrath: there is no peace for 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 iniquities are gone over my head: and as a heavy burden are become heavy upon me.

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

5 My sores are putrified and corrupted, because of my foolishness.

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

6 I am become miserable, and am bowed down even to the end: I walked sorrowful all the day long.

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

7 For my loins are filled with illusions; and there is no health in my flesh.

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

8 I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly: I roared with the groaning of my heart.

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

9 Lord, all my desire is before thee, and my groaning is not hidden from thee.

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

10 My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me, and the light of my eyes itself is not with me.

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

11 My friends and my neighbours have drawn near, and stood against me. And they that were near me 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 And they that sought my soul used violence. And they that sought evils to me spoke vain things, and studied deceits all the day long.

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 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 became as a man that heareth not: and that hath no reproofs in his mouth.

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

15 For in thee, O Lord, have I hoped: thou wilt hear me, 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 at any time my enemies rejoice over me: and whilst my feet are moved, they speak great things 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 scourges: and my sorrow is continually before me.

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

18 For I will declare my inequity: and I will think for my sin.

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

19 But my enemies live, and are stronger that I: and they hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

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

20 They that render evil for good, have detracted me, because I followed goodness.

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: do not thou depart from me.

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

22 Attend unto my help, O Lord, the God of my salvation.

Hurry, come and help me, Lord my salvation.