Psalms 38

1 A Psalm of David, 'To cause to remember.' Jehovah, in Thy wrath reprove me not, Nor in Thy fury chastise me.

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 Thine arrows have come down on me, And Thou lettest down upon me Thy hand.

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

3 Soundness is not in my flesh, Because of Thine indignation, Peace is not in my bones because of my sin.

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 mine iniquities have passed over my head, As a heavy burden — too heavy for me.

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

5 Stunk — become corrupt have my wounds, Because of my folly.

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

6 I have been bent down, I have been bowed down — unto excess, All the day I have gone mourning.

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

7 For my flanks have been full of drought, And soundness is not in my flesh.

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

8 I have been feeble and smitten — unto excess, I have roared from disquietude of heart.

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

9 Lord, before Thee [is] all my desire, And my sighing from Thee hath not been hid.

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

10 My heart [is] panting, my power hath forsaken me, And the light of mine eyes, Even they are not with me.

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

11 My lovers and my friends over-against my plague stand. And my neighbours afar off have stood.

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 those seeking my soul lay a snare, And those seeking my evil Have spoken mischievous things, And they do deceits meditate 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 And I, as deaf, hear not. And as a dumb one who openeth not 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 Yea, I am as a man who heareth not, And in his mouth are no reproofs.

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

15 Because for Thee, O Jehovah, I have waited, Thou dost answer, O Lord my God.

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

16 When I said, 'Lest they rejoice over me, In the slipping of my foot against me they magnified themselves.

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 to halt, And my pain [is] before me continually.

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

18 For mine iniquity I declare, I am sorry for my sin.

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

19 And mine enemies [are] lively, They have been strong, and those hating me without cause, Have been multiplied.

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

20 And those paying evil for good accuse me, Because of my pursuing good.

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

21 Do not forsake me, O Jehovah, My God, be not far from me,

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

22 Haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!

Hurry, come and help me, Lord my salvation.