Psalms 38:20

20 Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.

Psalms 38:20 in Other Translations

KJV
20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
ESV
20 Those who render me evil for good accuse me because I follow after good.
NLT
20 They repay me evil for good and oppose me for pursuing good.
MSG
20 I give out good and get back evil from God-haters who can't stand a God-lover.
CSB
20 Those who repay evil for good attack me for pursuing good.

Psalms 38:20 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 38:20

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries
(See Gill on Psalms 35:12);

because I follow [the thing that] good [is];
or "follow good"; a good God, whom his soul followed hard after, ( Psalms 63:8 ) ; the good Shepherd of the sheep, who led him into green pastures, whither he followed him, ( Psalms 23:1-3 ) ; the good Spirit of God his guide, whom he walked after, ( Romans 8:1 ) ; good and holy men of God, whom he took for examples and copied after; and every good work, which he pursued with eagerness and pleasure; and all this drew upon him the hatred of his adversaries.

Psalms 38:20 In-Context

18 I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many have become my enemies without cause ; those who hate me without reason are numerous.
20 Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.
21 LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.
22 Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Genesis 44:4; Psalms 35:12; 1 John 3:12
  • 2. Psalms 54:5; Psalms 59:10; Psalms 119:23
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