Psalms 38:20

20 They pay me back with evil instead of good, and they accuse me because I try to do what is 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 guilt. My sin troubles me.
19 My mortal enemies are growing stronger. Many hate me for no reason.
20 They pay me back with evil instead of good, and they accuse me because I try to do what is good.
21 Do not abandon me, O LORD. O my God, do not be so distant from me.
22 Come quickly to help me, O Lord, my savior.
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