Psalm 38

Psalm 38 Friday Readings 2

Yahweh, do not rebuke me in your anger, * nor punish me in your annoyance.

For your arrows have sunk into me, * and your arm descended upon me.

There is no soundness in my flesh, * because of your indignation.

There is no wholeness in my bones, * because of my sin.

For my crimes have come down on my head; * like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.

My wounds stink and fester * because of my foolishness.

I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; * all day long I go about in gloom.

For my sinews are full of fever, * and there is no soundness in my flesh.

I am spent and utterly crushed; * I groan and moan in my heart.

Lord, all my sighing is before you, * and my groaning never leaves your presence.

My heart is fever-racked, * my strength has left me,

even the light of my eyes, * unfortunately is gone from me.

My friends and companions * stand far away from my plague; * my neighbors stand at a distance.

Those who seek my life lay snares; * they who desire my misfortune pursue me.

Ruin and treachery * they ponder all day long.

But I am like a deaf man who cannot hear, * like a dumb man who opens not his mouth.

I have become like a man who does not hear, * and from whose mouth no recriminations come.

But for you, Yahweh, I wait; * my Lord, my God, you will answer

when I say, “Let them not rejoice over me; * or when my foot slips defame me.”

For my iniquity is stationed at my side; * my grief is ever before me.

Yes, I hold my guilt before me; * I am apprehensive because of my sin.

My mortal enemies are powerful; * my treacherous enemies are numerous.

Those who repay me evil for good * slander me when I seek their good.

Do not abandon me, Yahweh; * my God, be not distant from me!

Hurry to help me, * O Lord, to save me!