Psalm 38 (37):18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Every child must face discipline. Each one will experience correction until he is shown mercy by the One who is without sin.

There exists a remarkable solution to all these afflictions, as David is prepared for suffering (Psalm 37:18) and willingly submits himself to the Lord to endure the chastisement that is pleasing to Him. According to my reading, St. David opted for a form of discipline that he could withstand, yet he made this choice out of obligation, selecting from three options (see 2 Samuel 24:12-14). When not compelled to make such a choice, the servant of the Lord stands ready for anything: be it physical hardship, fleeing from adversaries, or the potential loss of his children—he faces the prospect of loss without trepidation, for he is willing to embrace all that comes his way without fear.

Transgression has rendered me deserving of afflictions. Consequently, I endure discipline, as I long to be healed from the maladies that sin imposes upon me.

I, having fallen into sin and being without divine assistance, find myself vulnerable to those who seek to harm me. The phrase "as if" might seem unnecessary, as it has often appeared, and its removal would imply that I am constantly open to your guidance and instruction due to my transgressions. My afflictions are ever-present, as the remembrance of my wrongdoings, which brings me deep anguish, is continually before me; they distress and unsettle me, and I cannot allow myself to forget them, lest I experience further suffering.

To afflictions, to lashes, to various forms of suffering and trials. The affliction is imposed; the awareness of my brokenness due to sin is profoundly entrenched within me; it remains ever-present, never leaving me. It communicates as if to say: I am prepared to endure anything; let all burdens fall upon me, provided I receive forgiveness, escape from sin, and emerge in righteousness. The Lord, the source of all goodness, is graciously inclined to accept my resolve and will not forsake me. The recognition and awareness of my sinful nature, which imposes such distress upon my spirit, will constantly be before me to humble and protect me. I present this anguish of the heart to the merciful Lord as an offering, firmly believing that He will not scorn a contrite and humble spirit. (Psalm 50:19) Such a disposition serves as the most profound assurance of genuine repentance and the reliability of my commitment to transform my life.

He presents a third reason for considering it beneficial to remain silent and unresponsive in the presence of his opponents. For I, he declares, am prepared to suffer for my transgressions, which include not only my mocking and blasphemous speech but also the harshest afflictions. The illness I have earned, or the sin that has led to my ongoing suffering, constantly occupies my thoughts.

This psalm attributed to David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recalls the Sabbath, symbolizing the eternal rest that awaits the righteous. The Sabbath is recognized as a time of rest, and the prophet urges all to strive for it through repentance. There exists a third psalm dedicated to repentance. The severity and anger of God during the Final Judgment against the unrighteous is unyielding. Earthly tribulations result from sin. It is wise to fear sin and engage in penance. Due to sin, both body and soul become weary, and peace of mind is disrupted. Engaging in repentance, diligent work, prayer, fasting, and charitable deeds draws forth God’s grace.

One who has sought to cleanse their conscience through adherence to the Gospel and has kept it vigilant understands that this inner turmoil is linked to a profound malady. Following wrongdoing, there is a disarray within; sensations of warmth and chill arise in their being, as if a fire ignited within, and they feel compelled to inflict pain in order to extinguish this fervor. Psalm 15:7.