PSALM 38

LORD, don't correct me when you are angry.

Don't punish me when you are furious.

Your arrows have wounded me,

and your hand has come down on me.

My body is sick from your punishment.

Even my bones are not healthy because of my sin.

My guilt has overwhelmed me;

like a load it weighs me down.

My sores stink and become infected

because I was foolish.

I am bent over and bowed down;

I am sad all day long.

I am burning with fever,

and my whole body is sore.

I am weak and faint.

I moan from the pain I feel.

LORD, you know everything I want;

my cries are not hidden from you.

My heart pounds, and my strength is gone.

I am losing my sight.

Because of my wounds, my friends and neighbors avoid me,

and my relatives stay far away.

Some people set traps to kill me.

Those who want to hurt me plan trouble;

all day long they think up lies.

I am like the deaf; I cannot hear.

Like the mute, I cannot speak.

I am like those who do not hear,

who have no answer to give.

I trust you, LORD.

You will answer, my LORD and God.

I said, "Don't let them laugh at me

or brag when I am defeated."

I am about to die,

and I cannot forget my pain.

I confess my guilt;

I am troubled by my sin.

My enemies are strong and healthy,

and many hate me for no reason.

They repay me with evil for the good I did.

They lie about me because I try to do good.

LORD, don't leave me;

my God, don't go away.

Quickly come and help me,

my LORD and Savior.