Psalms 38:16

16 For I said, "Don't let them rejoice over me- those who are arrogant toward me when I stumble."

Psalms 38:16 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 38:16

For I said, [hear me]
This he had expressed in prayer to God; he had committed his cause to him, and entreated him that he would hear and answer him; giving this as a reason,

lest [otherwise] they should rejoice over me;
at his misfortunes and calamities, at the continuance of his trouble and distress, both of body and mind;

when my foot slippeth;
as it sometimes did through the corruptions of nature, the temptations of Satan, and the snares of the world; which is more or less the case of all the people of God, who are all subject to slips and falls, though they shall not finally and totally fall away;

they magnify [themselves] against me;
that is, his enemies exulted and triumphed over him: this was what he found by experience; and therefore makes use of it as an argument with God, that he would hear and answer and deliver him out of his trouble, and preserve him from falling.

Psalms 38:16 In-Context

14 I am like a man who does not hear and has no arguments in his mouth.
15 I put my hope in You, Lord; You will answer, Lord my God.
16 For I said, "Don't let them rejoice over me- those who are arrogant toward me when I stumble."
17 For I am about to fall, and my pain is constantly with me.
18 So I confess my guilt; I am anxious because of my sin.
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.