Psalms 38:20

Psalm 38:20 (KJV) powerfully expresses the psalmist's lament over those who repay his good deeds with hostility. It highlights the painful reality of experiencing opposition precisely because one chooses to live righteously.

Context

Psalm 38 is a deeply personal lament of David, where he pours out his heart to God concerning severe suffering. He describes physical affliction, mental anguish, and the abandonment by friends and family. Amidst this, he also faces the scorn and plotting of his enemies. Verse 20 specifically addresses the injustice of his adversaries, who are not only ungrateful but actively hostile because of his commitment to goodness. This psalm serves as a cry for mercy and deliverance in the face of overwhelming distress and treachery, revealing David's profound trust in God despite his circumstances.

Key Themes

• Unjust Opposition: The verse underscores the shocking and painful experience of being attacked or betrayed by those who should be grateful, or at least neutral. It speaks to the perversion of justice where good is met with evil, highlighting the malice of the psalmist's enemies.
• The Cost of Righteousness: The psalmist's commitment to "follow the thing that good is" becomes the very reason for his adversaries' enmity. This theme resonates throughout scripture, showing that living righteously can provoke animosity from those who are wicked or resentful of divine standards. This is a profound truth that Jesus Himself taught His disciples, warning them that the world would hate them because they were not of the world.
• God as the Ultimate Vindicator: While the psalmist identifies these individuals as "mine adversaries," the broader context of the Psalms implies a trust in God to ultimately deal with such injustice. The righteous can suffer, but their ultimate vindication rests with the Lord, who sees all and judges righteously.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "render evil for good" emphasizes a deliberate act of malice and ingratitude. The Hebrew word for "adversaries" is satan (שָׂטָן), which literally means "opponent" or "accuser." While not referring to the proper name Satan in this context, it conveys the intense, often malicious, opposition faced by the psalmist. The "good" he follows is from the Hebrew tov (טוֹב), encompassing not just moral goodness but also what is pleasing, right, and beneficial in God's eyes.

Related Scriptures

• The concept of repaying good with evil is condemned elsewhere in Scripture, as seen in Proverbs 17:13: "Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house."
• This suffering for righteousness finds parallel in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to persevere, knowing that suffering for righteousness' sake brings blessing and is part of the Christian walk.
• Despite facing such adversaries, the Christian call is to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, reflecting the character of Christ who endured the ultimate injustice.

Practical Application

Psalm 38:20 offers several points of reflection for believers today:

• Expect Opposition: Doing what is right in a fallen world often invites criticism, resentment, or direct opposition. This verse reminds us that true goodness can expose the darkness in others, leading to conflict, just as it did for the psalmist.
• Maintain Integrity: Despite the injustice, the psalmist's commitment to "follow the thing that good is" remains steadfast. This encourages us to persevere in righteousness, regardless of how others respond, knowing our ultimate reward is from God.
• Trust God for Vindication: When faced with those who "render evil for good," we are reminded not to take vengeance into our own hands. Instead, we are to trust God, who sees all injustice and will ultimately bring about His perfect justice. We can find comfort in the Lord's promise to avenge His people, for vengeance belongs to Him.