Psalms 38
1Lord, do not rebuke me in your angeror discipline me in your wrath. 2Your arrows have pierced me,and your hand has come down on me. 3Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin. 4My guilt has overwhelmed melike a burden too heavy to bear. 5My wounds fester and are loathsomebecause of my sinful folly. 6I am bowed down and brought very low;all day long I go about mourning. 7My back is filled with searing pain;there is no health in my body. 8I am feeble and utterly crushed;I groan in anguish of heart. 9All my longings lie open before you, Lord;my sighing is not hidden from you. 10My heart pounds, my strength fails me;even the light has gone from my eyes. 11My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;my neighbors stay far away. 12Those who want to kill me set their traps,those who would harm me talk of my ruin;all day long they scheme and lie. 13I am like the deaf, who cannot hear,like the mute, who cannot speak; 14I have become like one who does not hear,whose mouth can offer no reply. 15Lord, I wait for you;you will answer, Lord my God. 16For I said, “Do not let them gloator exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.” 17For I am about to fall,and my pain is ever with me. 18I confess my iniquity;I am troubled by my sin. 19Many have become my enemies without cause;those who hate me without reason are numerous. 20Those who repay my good with evillodge accusations against me,though I seek only to do what is good. 21Lord, do not forsake me;do not be far from me, my God. 22Come quickly to help me,my Lord and my Savior.
Study Context for Psalms 38
As you study Psalms 38, keep in mind the overarching themes of this old testament book: Worship, Lament, Praise. Observe how the specific events or teachings in this chapter contribute to the book's broader message.
WorshipLamentPraise
Observation: What does Psalms 38 reveal about the character and nature of God? What does it reveal about humanity?
Application: How does the truth presented in this chapter change how you should live, think, or pray today?
Study introductions and prompts are supplementary aids, not Scripture. They do not replace prayerful reading, the authority of Scripture, a faithful local church, or pastoral care.
Study Psalms 38 more deeply
Ask Matthew for a Scripture-grounded explanation using this reference, not the copyrighted NIV wording. AI explanations remain separate from Scripture.
New International Version (NIV)
The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture provided through API.Bible