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Psalms 38 Explained — My Wounds Stink And My Friends Stand Off

Burdened by arrows and sore disease, the speaker confesses iniquity while companions stand afar off and foes plot. It matters because the chapter refuses self defense, turning the whole case over to God and begging for swift salvation.

Summary

Psalm 38:1–8 – Under discipline and pain What happens: David groans under God’s heavy hand, with no soundness in his flesh. What it means: God’s fatherly discipline is real. Suffering can expose sin and awaken repentance.

Psalm 38:9–14 – Isolated and silent What happens: Friends stand far off; David is like a deaf and mute man who does not open his mouth. What it means: Loneliness often accompanies affliction. Silence can be trust when words would sin.

Psalm 38:15–20 – I will confess and hope What happens: He waits for the Lord, confesses iniquity, and laments enemies who repay good with evil. What it means: Repentance and hope belong together. God hears the contrite.

Psalm 38:21–22 – Do not forsake me What happens: David pleads for God to hurry to help. What it means: Urgent prayer fits desperate need. God is near to save.

Application

  • Receive discipline as loving correction.
  • Confess sin rather than defend yourself.
  • Cry to God for swift help amid isolation.

Bible

1A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

2For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

3There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

4For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

5My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

6I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

7For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.

8I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

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

10My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

11My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

12They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

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

14Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.

15For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

16For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

17For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

18For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

19But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

20They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

21Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.

22Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

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