37
1 A Psalm of David for remembrance concerning the Sabbath-day.
2 O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath, neither chasten me in thine anger. 3 For thy weapons are fixed in me, and thou hast pressed thy hand heavily upon me.
4 For there is no health in my flesh because of thine anger; there is no peace to my bones because of my sins. 5 For my transgressions have gone over mine head: they have pressed heavily upon me like a weighty burden. 6 My bruises have become noisome and corrupt, because of my foolishness. 7 I have been wretched and bowed down continually: I went with a mourning countenance all the day. 8 For my soul is filled with mockings; and there is no health in my flesh. 9 I have been afflicted and brought down exceedingly: I have roared for the groaning of my heart.
10 But all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hidden from thee. 11 My heart is troubled, my strength has failed me; and the light of mine eyes is not with me. 12 My friends and my neighbours drew near before me, and stood still; and my nearest of kin stood afar off. 13 While they pressed hard upon me that sought my soul: and they that sought my hurt spoke vanities, and devised deceits all the day. 14 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and was as a dumb man not opening his mouth. 15 And I was as a man that hears not, and who has no reproofs in his mouth.
16 For I hoped in thee, O Lord: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. 17 For I said, Lest mine enemies rejoice against me: for when my feet were moved, they spoke boastingly against me. 18 For I am ready for *plagues, and my grief is continually before me. 19 For I will declare mine iniquity, and be distressed for my sin. 20 But mine enemies live, and are mightier than I: and they that hate me unjustly are multiplied. 21 They that reward evil for good slandered me; because I followed righteousness. 22 Forsake me not, O Lord my God: depart not from me. 23 Draw nigh to my help, O Lord of my salvation.
* 37:18 Gr. scourges.