Psalms 38 · תהילים

A Psalm of David, for invocation.

O Lord, rebuke me not in Thy wrath: nor chasten me in Thy hot displeasure.

For Thy arrows stick fast in me, and Thy hand presses me sore.

There is no soundness in my flesh because of Thy anger; nor is there any health in my bones because of my sin.

For my iniquities are gone over my head: like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

My wounds stink; they fester because of my foolishness.

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

For my loins are filled with burning: and there is no soundness in my flesh.

I am feeble and sore broken: I groan by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

Lord, all my desire is before Thee; and my sighing is not hid from Thee.

My heart palpitates, my strength fails me: as for the light of my eyes, it also is gone from me.

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

And they who seek after my life lay snares for me: and they who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all the day long.

But I, like a deaf man, hear not; and like a dumb man that opens not his mouth.

Thus I was like a man that hears not, and in whose mouth are no rebukes.

For in Thee, O Lord, I hope: Thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

For I said, Lest they should rejoice over me: when my foot slips, they magnify themselves against me.

For I am ready to stumble, and my pain is continually before me.

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

But my enemies are in vigorous life; and they who hate me wrongfully are many.

They also who render evil for good are my adversaries; because I follow what is good.

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

Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.