Whole chapter discussed by Augustine of Hippo —
Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
(Psalms 38:1–22)
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments, according to Sheminith. A Psalm of David.
1O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger
or discipline me in Your wrath.
2Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail;
heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony.
3My soul is deeply distressed.
How long, O LORD, how long?
4Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul;
save me because of Your loving devotion.
5For there is no mention of You in death;
who can praise You from Sheol?
6I am weary from groaning;
all night I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.
7My eyes fail from grief;
they grow dim because of all my foes.
8Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.
9The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
10All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed;
they will turn back in sudden disgrace.