Psalm 38 (37):15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

How did David respond when faced with such machinations against him? He declared, "And I am like a deaf man who cannot hear, and like a mute man who does not open his mouth; I have become like one who does not hear and has no response in his mouth." Do you witness the profound strength of a man's discernment in the way he triumphed over his adversaries? His foes devised their schemes, yet he chose to silence his ears, refusing to listen at all. They did not cease their incessant chatter, engaging in falsehood and flattery, but he quelled their fury with his silence. What motivated his behavior? In a moment when his enemies pressed against him, why did he conduct himself as though he were deaf and mute, lacking both hearing and speech? Listen to the justification he offers for this stoic demeanor: "For in Thee, O Lord, I trust."

It appeared as though He had no words for them, as if there was nothing to accuse them of. Had He not already confronted them about numerous matters? Had He not proclaimed many statements, including “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees” (Matthew 23:13), among others? Yet in His moment of suffering, He chose silence. This was not due to a lack of words, but rather a deliberate wait until all that had been foretold was accomplished, in alignment with the prophecy that states, “As a sheep before her shearer is dumb, so He opens not His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). It was fitting for Him to remain silent amid His trials, but this silence would not extend into the future at the time of Judgment. For then He who is destined to judge would come; and it was necessary that He who endured judgment with profound humility would return with immense authority to enact judgment.

The prophet expresses, “Unable to bring false accusations against me, those filled with envy resorted to cunning in an attempt to overpower, ridicule, and incite my anger. Yet, discerning their deceit, I acted like a deaf man and did not respond (Psalm 37:14).” Notice the weight of his words; he did not claim, “I feigned ignorance,” but rather, “I did not hear,” for he chose to disregard the voice of his adversaries and remained silent as one who cannot speak. Blessed is the one who exercises such strength—provoked, he refrains from anger; angered, he seeks no revenge. Opponents aim to provoke our wrath: they hurl curses so we might retaliate; they lay accusations to prompt us to accuse in return; they rebuke us, hoping to drive us to humiliation and incite a response.

Historical accounts illustrate this truth distinctly. When Absalom rejected his father’s decisions and gathered those who were dissatisfied with David’s rulings, David endured these trials with grace. Likewise, when Shimei hurled insults and physically struck David, he chose to accept the affronts quietly. Even when Absalom aimed to avenge the wrongdoing, he prevented this action, declaring: let him be; let him curse, for the Lord has instructed him to do so against David (2 Sam. 16:10).

The earlier statements are effectively clarified through these remarks. The rebukes are referred to as words of defense, which enabled him to confront and challenge his accuser. This is illustrated more distinctly through historical accounts. When Absalom denounced his father's decisions and attracted followers who had also been judged but were unsuccessful, the esteemed David endured this with great nobility. Similarly, when Shimei insulted him, striking at him with both words and actions, he chose to remain silent in the face of such offenses.

During my judgment, I remained silent so that Pilate might feel pity and ask, 'Do you not hear that these testify against you' (Matthew 27:13)? He was not moved by familiarity with the accused but was troubled by the dream his wife had (Matthew 27:18 - the canonical account presents the events in a different sequence). And in this moment, Jesus chose to be quiet. Thus, the Psalmist articulates, 'And I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. Again, 'But I am like a deaf man that hears not, and like a man who does not open his mouth.' You have received these teachings before, if only you remember.

You too shall move through life as one who is deaf, mute, and blind; for in the absence of the One who serves as your perfect example, you may, like a sightless person, overlook anything that does not appear to be truly uplifting. Do not be swayed by the authority or methods of those who act otherwise; resist the temptation to revert to the very behaviors you once renounced. If you witness someone being disobedient, obstinate, or malicious, or engaging in any conduct contrary to what you have been taught, do not act unjustly, and refrain from falling into the trap of imitation; rather, like a deaf person who hears nothing, allow everything to pass without affecting you.

He remains unresponsive, either oblivious to the machinations and slander due to a compassionate trust or has fortified himself with such forbearance that he is impervious to their noise. The latter possibility seems more accurate. He remained silent, choosing not to defend himself or clarify misunderstandings. Perhaps he feared that his pleas would only provoke yet more malice, and he hoped that by allowing them this freedom, their malevolence would diminish and ultimately disperse without opposition. Like a man who cannot hear, he reiterates this with subtle distinctions, illustrating the depth of his patience. He does not seek condemnation, as if he possesses no justification for rebuke.

These statements are evident and profoundly accurate, particularly illustrated in 2 Samuel 16. In this passage, when Shimei maligned David by labeling him a man of blood, implying he was a murderer and usurper of the kingdom, David displayed remarkable forbearance. He refrained from permitting any of his followers to retaliate or admonish Shimei. In this manner, he acted as if he were deaf, not perceiving the insults, and did not entertain the thought of seeking any correction.

This psalm attributed to David is inspired by the Holy Spirit and serves as a reminder of the Sabbath, symbolizing the eternal rest prepared for the righteous. The Sabbath is designated as a time of rest, and the prophet urges everyone to strive for this rest through repentance. There exists an additional psalm focusing on repentance. The fury and judgment of God at the Last Judgment against sinners are unyielding. Suffering in this life due to sin is inevitable. One should fear sin and engage in sincere penance. Sin exhausts both body and spirit, causing turmoil in the mind. Acts of repentance, labor, prayer, fasting, and good deeds draw the grace of God.