Psalms 38:14

Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth [are] no reproofs.

Thus I was as a man {H376} that heareth {H8085} not, and in whose mouth {H6310} are no reproofs {H8433}.

Yes, I've become like a man who doesn't hear and in whose mouth are no defenses.

I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply.

Yea, I am as a man that heareth not, And in whose mouth are no reproofs.

Psalm 38:14 finds King David in a state of deep distress, both physically and spiritually, as he grapples with the consequences of his sin and the relentless attacks of his enemies. This verse highlights his profound humility and self-restraint amidst his suffering.

Context

Psalm 38 is one of the seven penitential psalms, where David pours out his heart in confession and lament. He describes his body wracked with pain, his spirit broken, and his friends and family alienated. In this grim setting, his enemies, who are numerous and strong, use his affliction as an opportunity to slander and plot against him. The preceding verses detail his inability to respond to their taunts, setting the stage for his silent demeanor in verse 14.

Meaning of the Verse

When David says, "Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth [are] no reproofs," he is describing a deliberate choice of silence and non-retaliation. He chose not to engage with his accusers, nor did he offer any defense or counter-argument against their reproaches and lies. This was not due to ignorance or inability, but rather a conscious decision to remain quiet, perhaps out of humility, despair, or a profound trust that God Himself would ultimately be his vindicator. His silence indicates a profound resignation to his circumstances, leaving his cause entirely in the hands of God.

Key Themes

  • Silent Submission and Patience: David's silence in the face of accusation and suffering demonstrates a remarkable degree of patience and submission. He does not lash out or defend himself, choosing instead to bear the injustice quietly. This can be seen as an act of profound trust, leaving his cause entirely in God's hands.
  • Trust in Divine Justice: By offering no reproofs, David implicitly trusts that God sees his plight and will administer justice in due time. His silence is a testament to his belief that ultimate vindication comes from the Lord, not through human argument or defense. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 62:1, "My soul waiteth upon God."
  • Humility in Adversity: The verse portrays David's humility. Despite being a king and a warrior, he adopts the posture of one who is helpless and undefended, mirroring the suffering servant described in Isaiah 53:7, who "was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth." This parallel is strikingly fulfilled in the life of Christ, who also remained silent before His accusers (Matthew 27:12-14).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "reproofs" is tokhaḥot (תּוֹכָחוֹת). It can mean arguments, rebukes, or corrections. In this context, it signifies David's decision not to offer any counter-arguments or a defense against the accusations leveled against him. It emphasizes his complete non-engagement with his detractors, choosing a path of passive endurance rather than active defense.

Practical Application

Psalm 38:14 offers valuable lessons for believers facing unjust criticism, slander, or persecution. There are times when silence is more powerful than defense, and when trusting God to vindicate us is the most faithful response. Rather than engaging in arguments or seeking human justification, we are sometimes called to entrust our reputation and our cause to the Lord, knowing that He sees all and will ultimately bring justice. This verse encourages patience, humility, and unwavering faith in God's sovereignty, even when faced with overwhelming adversity.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • John 8:6

    This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not].
  • Mark 15:3

    And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
  • Mark 15:5

    But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
  • Amos 5:13

    Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it [is] an evil time.
  • Micah 7:5

    Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

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