Psalms 38

1 Lord, do not correct me in your wrath or discipline me in your anger.

2 Your arrows pierced me, and you pressed your hand upon me.

3 There is no healing in my flesh because of your anger, and no peace in my bones because of my sins.

4 My acts of lawlessness rose over my head; like a heavy burden, they weighed down upon me.

5 My wounds stank and festered because of my foolishness.

6 I suffered and remained completely bent over; I went about with a gloomy face all day.

7 My loins were filled with mockery, and there is no healing in my flesh.

8 I was afflicted and greatly humbled; I roared because of my heart’s groaning.

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

10 My heart was troubled, my strength abandoned me, and even the light of my eyes is no longer with me.

11 My friends and neighbors approached and stood opposite me, while my closest relatives stood far away.

12 Those seeking my life used violence against me; those seeking evil for me spoke futile things and plotted deceit all day.

13 But like a deaf person I did not listen, and like someone unable to speak I did not open my mouth.

14 I became like a person who does not hear and has no rebukes in his mouth.

15 I trusted in you, Lord; you will listen, Lord my God.

16 I said, “Do not let my enemies rejoice over me.” When my feet slipped, they boasted against me.

17 I am ready for scourges, and my pain is always before me.

18 I will declare my lawlessness and be troubled about my sin.

19 But my enemies live and are stronger than I am; those who hate me unjustly have multiplied.

20 Those who repay evil for good slandered me because I pursued righteousness. [They cast me aside, the beloved, like a despised corpse.]

21 Do not abandon me, Lord; my God, do not stand far from me.

22 Pay attention and help me, Lord of my rescue.