My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.
David composed this psalm as a memorial, knowing how quickly God's chastisements slip from our minds even though they ought to instruct us all our lives. The title points to his purpose: to keep the lessons of affliction alive in himself and in others.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 38:1-22
Conscience strikes blow after blow until the wound suppurates and corruption festers, this is what sin does to the soul. No physical disease, no ulcer or cancer, can match the unutterable vileness and pollution of iniquity; I know this because I have seen it and felt it.
AI summary
When afflicted, we must call our sins to mind and set them in order before God for humiliation. This psalm teaches the sick what to think and say in their distress, but above all: pray that God's rebuke may not come in wrath, for that makes the affliction wormwood and gall.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 38:1-11