Psalms 38:16

16 I said, "Do not let them gloat over me. When my foot slips, do not let them promote themselves at my expense."

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 one who cannot hear and who can offer no arguments.

15 But I wait with hope for you, O LORD. You will answer, O Lord, my God.

16 I said, "Do not let them gloat over me. When my foot slips, do not let them promote themselves at my expense."

17 I am ready to fall. I am continually aware of my pain.

18 I confess my guilt. My sin troubles me.