[1] A Psalm of David, for the memorial offering. [2] O LORD, rebuke me not
in thy anger, nor chasten me in thy wrath! [3] For thy arrows have sunk
into me, and thy hand has come down on me. [4] There is no soundness in my
flesh because of thy indignation; there is no health in my bones because of
my sin. [5] For my iniquities have gone over my head; they weigh like a
burden too heavy for me. [6] My wounds grow foul and fester because of my
foolishness, [7] I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go
about mourning. [8] For my loins are filled with burning, and there is no
soundness in my flesh. [9] I am utterly spent and crushed; I groan because
of the tumult of my heart. [10] Lord, all my longing is known to thee, my
sighing is not hidden from thee. [11] My heart throbs, my strength fails
me; and the light of my eyes--it also has gone from me. [12] My friends and
companions stand aloof from my plague, and my kinsmen stand afar off. [13]
Those who seek my life lay their snares, those who seek my hurt speak of
ruin, and meditate treachery all the day long. [14] But I am like a deaf
man, I do not hear, like a dumb man who does not open his mouth. [15] Yea,
I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no rebukes. [16]
But for thee, O LORD, do I wait; it is thou, O LORD my God, who wilt
answer. [17] For I pray, "Only let them not rejoice over me, who boast
against me when my foot slips!" [18] For I am ready to fall, and my pain is
ever with me. [19] I confess my iniquity, I am sorry for my sin. [20] Those
who are my foes without cause are mighty, and many are those who hate me
wrongfully. [21] Those who render me evil for good are my adversaries
because I follow after good. [22] Do not forsake me, O LORD! O my God, be
not far from me! [ (Psalms 38:23) Make haste to help me, O Lord, my
salvation! ]
