Psalm 38:9-16 | The Way of Scripture

Psalm 38:9-16

Why does the speaker wait instead of answering every accusation?

Berean Standard Bible

9 O Lord, my every desire is before You; my groaning is not hidden from You. 10 My heart pounds, my strength fails, and even the light of my eyes has faded. 11 My beloved and friends shun my disease, and my kinsmen stand at a distance. 12 Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long. 13 But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth. 14 I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply. 15 I wait for You, O LORD; You will answer, O Lord my God. 16 For I said, “Let them not gloat over me— those who taunt me when my foot slips.”

What is the context?

Groaning is fully known to the Lord, even while strength and sight fade and friends keep their distance. Enemies take advantage with traps and destructive speech.

The speaker describes himself as deaf and mute toward the hostility. Waiting for the Lord’s answer replaces an attempt to win through immediate retort.

The silence is directed toward the accusers, while prayer continues toward God. It is not a ban on telling the truth about harm or asking for help.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley understands the silence as humility under discipline and the enemies’ deceit as harmful purposes concealed by a fair appearance. The prayer’s own words show that patient trust is compatible with naming distress.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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