Psalms 38
1 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!
A Psalm of David. A lament. Reprove me not, Lord, in your anger, and chasten me not in your wrath;
2 Your arrows have pierced me deeply, your hand has come down hard on me.
for your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand lies heavy upon me.
3 Because you're so upset with me, not a single part of my body is healthy; I am completely sick because of my sins.
In my flesh is no soundness because of your anger, no health in my bones, because of my sin.
4 I'm drowning in guilt—the burden is too heavy to bear.
For that my guilt is gone over my head: it weighs like a burden too heavy for me.
5 My wounds are infected—they're smelling—all because of my stupidity.
My wounds stink and fester, for my foolishness I am tormented.
6 I am bent over, doubled up in pain. The whole day I walk around crying my eyes out.
Bent and bowed am I utterly, all the day going in mourning.
7 Inside I'm burning up with fever; no part of my body is healthy.
My loins are filled with burning, and in my flesh is no soundness.
8 I'm worn out, totally down. I groan because of the anguish I feel in my heart.
I am utterly crushed and numb; I cry louder than lion roars.
9 Lord, you know what I desperately want, you hear every sigh I make.
Lord, you know all that I long for, my groans are not hidden from you.
10 My heart is racing, leaving me with no strength; my eyesight is failing.
My heart is throbbing, my strength has failed me. The light of my eyes – even it is gone from me.
11 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.
My dear ones and friends keep aloof, and my neighbours stand afar off.
12 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.
They who aim at my life lay their snares, they who seek my hurt speak of ruin, nursing treachery all the day long.
13 I act as if I'm deaf to what they're saying, and pretend to be dumb so I don't have to speak.
But I turn a deaf ear and hear not; like the dumb I open not my mouth.
14 Like a man who can't hear, and who doesn't reply—that's me!
I am like one without hearing, with no arguments in my mouth.
15 For I'm waiting on you, Lord! You will answer for me, my Lord and my God.
For my hope, O Lord, is in you. You will answer, O Lord my God,
16 I'm asking you, Lord, please don't let my enemies gloat over me, don't let them be glad when I trip up.
when I utter the hope that those who made scorn of my tottering feet may not rejoice over me.
17 For I'm about ready to collapse—the pain never stops.
For I am ready to fall, my pain forsakes me never.
18 I do confess my sins; I am terribly sorry for what I've done.
I acknowledge my guilt, I am anxious because of my sin:
19 I have many powerful enemies—they are very active, hating me for no reason.
My wanton assailants are strong, those who wrongfully hate me are many,
20 They pay me back evil for good; they accuse me for the good I try to do.
who render me evil for good, and oppose me, because I make good my goal.
21 Don't give up on me, my Lord and my God, don't stay away from me.
Do not forsake me, O Lord; my God, be not far from me.
22 Hurry, come and help me, Lord my salvation.
Hasten to help me, O Lord my saviour.
