Psalms 38:16

16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”

Psalms 38:16 in Other Translations

KJV
16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
ESV
16 For I said, "Only let them not rejoice over me, who boast against me when my foot slips!"
NLT
16 I prayed, “Don’t let my enemies gloat over me or rejoice at my downfall.”
MSG
16 I wait and pray so they won't laugh me off, won't smugly strut off when I stumble.
CSB
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 have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply.
15 LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.
16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”
17 For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me.
18 I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Psalms 22:17; Psalms 35:26
  • 2. S Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalms 13:4
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