The Church Fathers on this verse
THEOSIS
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Psalm 38 (37):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

My sores are putrefied and corrupted, because of my foolishness.

Douay-Rheims · Hebrew numbering, Septuagint numbering in brackets.

הִבְאִ֣ישׁוּ נָ֭מַקּוּ חַבּוּרֹתָ֑י מִ֝פְּנֵ֗י אִוַּלְתִּֽי׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

12 Church Fathers comment on this verse · 14 commentaries

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Sin is the most repugnant of all. The prophet’s lament reveals this truth, as he states, ‘My wounds are stinking and festering.’ To truly grasp the foulness of sin, consider its aftermath, when desire no longer torments you, and the flames of passion have been extinguished; then you will understand the essence of sin. Picture anger when you are at peace. Visualize greed when you are detached from such longing. There is nothing more vile, nothing more revolting than theft and greed.

The foulness of sin Sin is more repulsive than any decaying plague. Honestly, what could be more odious than immorality? While the act may not seem foul in the moment, reflect on it afterward, and you will recognize its stench, its repugnant impurity, its filth, and wickedness. This is the nature of sin. Prior to its commission, it may offer some deceptive allure, but once it is done, that allure vanishes, leaving only grief and despair. Conversely, righteousness initially involves effort, but ultimately leads to joy and consolation.

Athanasius the Great

4th centuryChurch Father

Each transgression is corrupt and repugnant, and had the spirit not succumbed to folly, it would not have endured sin. This reveals the nature of sin. What is this nature? Indeed, it is that sins occur due to a lack of wisdom.

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

Consider a particular young man characterized by a loose and extravagant lifestyle, indulging in pleasures, dressed splendidly like the rich man adorned in fine linen and purple, and celebrating lavishly each day. His floors are drenched in wine, his surroundings are littered with flowers and fish scraps, and his rooms are filled with aromatic incense. Additionally, he feels blessed and perceives himself as fragrant, yet he causes deep wounds to his soul that remain unhealed. However, the holy prophet David discovered the restorative remedy that leads to eternal salvation when he acknowledged the foulness of his soul's wounds, confessing that his folly made his afflictions worse. The wisdom of this age conceals its wounds and fails to present them to the Lord. Therefore, it is better to embrace foolishness, which recognizes its afflictions, than to possess wisdom that is blind to them.

Surely, the weight of his transgressions has exceeded what he can bear, and as the Psalmist states, his wounds have grown and become infected due to his folly (see Psalm 37:6). This is compounded by the fact that healing arrived too late for the one who has endured the burden of sin. Yet, restoration was granted to the righteous Job, who was afflicted from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head (see Job 2:7-8). He removed the festering material from his injuries. Likewise, the impoverished Lazarus (see Luke 16:20-22), whose sores were tended to by dogs while he lay at the gate of the wealthy man, was carried away by angels from the misery of his suffering and placed in the bosom of Abraham.

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King David places his trust in a healing remedy, for his wounds do not emit the fragrance of incense, but rather the stench of his iniquities, which have caused him distress, bent him down, and robbed him of joy.

Consider now the young man who indulges in lust and licentiousness; he immerses himself in excess and, akin to that rich man clad in fine linen and purple, feasts lavishly each day. The banquet hall is awash in wine, adorned with flowers and remnants of fish, filled with various sweet aromas. He regards himself as fortunate and believes he is enveloped in pleasant fragrances! However, the wounds of his spirit fester dangerously, oozing foulness for years, yet he remains oblivious to their repugnance. His nostrils are filled with decay, and he cannot declare, “The Spirit of God is in my nostrils” (Job 27:3). The affluent man, unable to find the healing he needed, is consigned to torment in hell; in contrast, the poor man found peace (see Luke 16:22).

Similar to David, who discovered the medicine of eternal life by acknowledging the foulness of his soul's wounds that swelled and receded from his own folly, there exists a kind of foolishness that, through the preaching of the Gospel, leads to salvation for the faithful (see 1 Cor. 1:21). The prophet, possessing an evangelic spirit, turns away from the false wisdom of this world, which cannot reveal God! Such worldly wisdom conceals its injuries and does not present them to the Lord. Thus, it is better to embrace the folly that allows one to perceive their own wounds than to rely on sightless wisdom. Driven by spiritual clarity regarding his own folly, the great king confesses that he suffers from afflictions, yearning for a remedy through repentance—a remedy that eluded Judas, who bought land with ill-gotten gains (Acts 1:18).

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

The prophet declares that he is weighed down by the significant load of sin; he is grieved by the foul odor of the putrid wounds he has incurred by abandoning wisdom and yielding himself to folly. As a result, stripped of all happiness, he is perpetually mournful, troubled, and sees no alteration in his sorrowful condition.

Euthymios Zigabenos

11th centuryCommentator

The afflictions of my spirit, inflicted upon me by the devil's blazing arrows, have deteriorated and grown foul. Not only have they rotted on the surface, but they have also thoroughly festered within me. In these expressions, David profoundly illustrates the moral decay of his soul, which can no longer withstand the stench of its condition. He declares that this was due to my folly and ignorance, for had I not lost my clarity, I would not have endured so many injuries. Notice, dear reader, how the divine David eloquently amplifies his transgressions in earnest confession. Initially, he describes them as significant, then as grievous, and finally as festering and foul.

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It indicates a genuine repentance when one can perceive the repulsiveness of sin, as this allows one to detest and completely reject it.

This reminds us not to conceal our wrongdoings or harbor them in the depths of our hearts like hidden darkness and decay. Just as a concealed fever causes great distress until it is revealed and resolved, so it is with the soul. The wisdom of the scripture teaches us not to be ashamed to confess our transgressions and to speak them out so that we may be justified. All sin is vile, abominable, and repugnant, originating from madness. If the soul were not consumed by folly, it would not be susceptible to sin. A person who is righteous and possesses a reverent fear of God is wiser than all. Hence, it is expressed that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Furthermore, all madness produces reckless actions, and every sin stems from this madness. Yet, prudence as a virtue transforms each outcome it influences into something commendable, bestowing health upon the soul. As Gregory of Nyssa observed, the allure to vice invariably leads a person to become wounded, causing wounds and inflammation through the malady of sin. Cyril the Blessed pointed out that the remnants of these wounds may serve as reminders of harm endured; however, if they remain untreated, they can give rise to significant pain and may intensify into deeper wounds, returning to their original state.

This pattern can be mirrored in human souls: sin strikes, and evil rejuvenates within, much like sores, if allowed to manifest. Even when one ceases to indulge in the absurd and ignoble pleasures of sin, the lingering urges of base desires can result in ongoing signs of distress. If these signs persist, they could potentially develop into wounds when the sinful desires are ultimately gratified.

Methodius of Patara

3rd centuryChurch Father

Salt or decay? Just as salt eliminates impurities and corruption from meat, in the pure virgin, all irrational earthly desires are restrained through instruction. A soul that has not, like salt, experienced the words of Christ inevitably degrades and breeds corruption—much like King David, who mourned with tears in the mountains, lamenting, ‘My wounds have waxed and rotted,’ due to his failure to discipline himself with the salt of chastity, allowing negligence to lead him astray into lust and ultimately into adultery.

Marcus the Ascetic

4th centuryChurch Father

The prophet illustrates his struggle, stating, “My wounds are dead and bent” (Psalm 37:6). Here, the term ‘wounds’ signifies a selfish and greedy heart, while ‘dead and bent’ refers to a disregard that persists until spiritual death, akin to an odor of decay. Many among us prefer to bury our treasures rather than share them with those in need. As the end approaches, such a devastating attitude becomes ingrained in the soul, leading to spiritual decay and madness, ultimately serving as an eternal wound that bars us from entering the heavenly realm intended for the firstborn, which the commandments designate for those untainted by sin.

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Is it not time to reveal our deep wounds and seek healing from the Great Physician? For St. Paul instructs, “your abundance (let it be) in them that are deprived” (2 Cor. 8:14), yet we often do the contrary: we hoard what belongs to the needy, amplifying our wealth at their expense. We commit similar acts when we wrong our brothers; we ignore their pain, withholding necessary healing, and rather than offering an apology, we demand such acknowledgment from them. In essence, we add their ‘deprivation’ to our surplus, fundamentally opposing the teachings of Scripture.

Fulgentius of Ruspe

6th centuryChurch Father

Reflect on the foulness of decay. Do not allow the dust and dirt to take pride, for in life its innards are cast aside, and let the one who is hurt, believing himself to be whole and jumping as if he were well, recognize the foulness of his injuries in the meekness of a contrite spirit. As he cries out with the prophet, "My wounds are dead and rotten because of my folly," he may find healing, not earned through his own worthiness, but given through the grace of God’s love.

Tichon of Zadonsk

18th centuryChurch Father

In the world today, we observe that individuals suffer from a multitude of ailments, and at times, they exhibit wounds and sores. Just as a person's physical wounds signify an affliction, the sinful condition of the soul manifests as transgressions and iniquities. When the body is battered and marked by injuries, the soul of a sinful individual similarly bears the scars of sin. Bodily wounds can become foul and putrid, mirroring how the sinful wounds of the soul decay and emit a foul odor. As the Psalmist expresses, “My wounds have waxed and rotted from.... my folly” (Psalm 37:6). A person may be entirely plagued by sores, akin to the sinful soul that remains entrenched in wrongdoing, compounding its transgressions and thus becoming increasingly tainted.

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The prophet observes, “From his foot... to the head there is no wholeness in him” (Isaiah 1:6). Just as physical ailments grow more rancid with time, so too does a sinful soul become more deeply injured as it persists in sin, exacerbating its pain and producing an even more unbearable stench. While humans can perceive the physical manifestations of wounds and their resulting odor, it is God who discerns the spiritual wounds of the soul. The repugnant odor of physical wounds is difficult for people to bear; however, the filth of the soul's wounds presents an even greater challenge for God. Men instinctively shy away from the stench of physical afflictions, and similarly, God turns His gaze from the rotting and foul-smelling sins of the soul. It is indeed grievous for a person to suffer from visible, festering wounds, yet it is far worse for the soul to be mired in its own sinful and foul conditions. The body may be mortal and subject to decay, but the soul is eternal and incorruptible. If one does not seek healing for their wounds now, they will be left to bear those wounds eternally before the Divine Judge. The sight of the wounded individual, a cherished creation of God made in His image, evokes compassion and sorrow. Sin is at the heart of this sorrow, as we reflect, “Thou, O Lord, hast truth, but we have shame on our faces” (Dan. 9:7). By turning our gaze from this shame to the soul, wounded by sin, we encounter an even deeper and more distressing shame. The afflictions of the soul—pride, envy, malice, wickedness, impurity, and greed—only grow as one clings to them. The more entrenched one becomes in these sins, the worse the wounds become, resulting in a foul odor of decay. Oh, poor sinner! Your soul's wounds are already rotting and emitting stench. It is time for healing; it is time to apply the salve of repentance to your afflictions. You may tend to your ailing body, yet neglect the cries of your soul, which is weary and burdened by its wounds. O blessed sinners! Let us come in faith to Jesus Christ, the Healer of our souls and bodies. Even if we feel unworthy to approach Him due to our rotting wounds, let us stand at a distance and raise our voices like the ten lepers, calling out from the depths of our hearts: “Jesus, Master! Have mercy on us” (Luke 17:12-13). There is no wound so great that He cannot heal with a mere word, for He is All-Powerful, Merciful, and Compassionate. As the Gospel accounts tell us, He has healed mortal bodies—certainly, He will desire to heal immortal souls for which He came to redeem. He will indeed offer healing if we approach Him in faith, diligently seeking His mercy. He sees our wounds and longs to mend them, as that is why He entered the world. Yet, He desires us to acknowledge our unhealed wounds before Him since only He can restore us. “Heal me, O Lord, for we have sinned against You!” “Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed.... for Thou art God my Saviour” (Jer. 17:14). “Lord! I am not worthy that You should come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant (my soul) shall recover” (Matt. 8:8). “I am the image of Thy inexpressible glory, even though I bear the sores of my transgressions: bruise Thy creature, O Lord, and cleanse it with Thy goodness, and grant me the desired Fatherland, making me a resident of paradise once more!"

Theophan the Recluse

19th centuryChurch Father

The afflictions of my spirit, inflicted by the burning arrows of the adversary, have decayed and deteriorated. This metaphor illustrates the moral decay and pollution of the soul. What has led to this condition? A lack of prompt acknowledgment of fault and a failure to swiftly address the wrongdoing. From the moment of his transgression until he received the prophet Nathan's admonition, David hesitated in repentance and neglected the healing of his spirit through contrition. The wounds of sin festered due to this prolonged delay in addressing them. Initially, he acknowledged the multitude of his sins; then he spoke of their weight; now he conveys that they are deep wounds, penetrating and destructive in nature.

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The numerous transgressions signify individual instances, but the habitual repetition cultivates sinful tendencies and inclinations. These become the festering injuries of the soul. Sin that is quickly renounced resembles a mere scratch or a splinter swiftly extracted, while sin that is cherished and repeatedly acted upon is akin to a splinter left to fester, evolving into a malignant boil. A wound of the soul manifests as vice, passion, or harmful tendency, evident in one’s behavior and perceptible to others, much like a foul odor emanating from an untreated wound. This serves as yet another reason for the distress of a sinful life. Just as wounds and pain hinder action, so do inclinations and passions, incessantly demanding attention and tormenting the individual, thus obstructing good intentions. Where wounds inhibit movement, sinful inclinations paralyze righteous actions. The sinner finds himself as if shackled, burdened by pain that has become ingrained. This suffering is a consequence of my folly. Due to my disregard for the salvation of my soul, I am besieged by such trials. I failed to recognize the severity of my sins and neglected to strive against them, resulting in my anguish—like a madman who, in playing with a venomous serpent or a scorpion, incurs a wound that brings ongoing torment. If the soul had not succumbed to irrationality, it would not bear the scars of sin. Why choose to exist in such a state? Yet, this remains the reality—when sin entices, reason falters. The heart, entangled in sin, takes precedence and gives orders, while the mind follows, devising ways to fulfill the basest desires. It becomes a servant rather than the sovereign of thought. In such a misguided state, the sinner acts obliviously, unaware of the darkness enveloping their actions. However, once reason returns, clarity reveals the foolishness of past conduct. It is only a mind clouded by darkness that behaves in such a manner. The sinner may feel they are acting with intention, yet in truth, they are being led astray, guided by malevolent influences in their thoughts.

Irenaeus (Klementjewsky)

18th centuryCommentator

These statements address the period that transpired between David's act of adultery and the admonition delivered by the prophet Nathan, which extended beyond nine months, as Nathan confronted David after the child conceived through that sin was already born, as recorded in the second book of Kings, chapter 12. Throughout this interval, David was slow to tend to the wounds of his sin through genuine repentance. During this time, there developed a layer of forgetfulness over his spiritual sores, blinding him to their condition. However, these layers eventually festered, causing the wounds to grow more severe and seemingly incurable.

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This state of affliction is lamented in his words, “My wounds are dead and bent on behalf of my madness,” indicating that it was his folly, rather than a failure on the part of the healer, that prevented him from recognizing his injuries; it was that same folly that allowed the decaying wounds to emit the foulness and temptation that permeated around him.

Psalter with Commentaries (Cave Monastery in Kiew)

19th centuryCommentator

This psalm attributed to David is inspired by the Holy Spirit, serving as a reminder of the Sabbath, which symbolizes the eternal rest prepared for the righteous. The Sabbath is recognized as a time of rest, and the prophet invites all to seek this peace through repentance. There is a third psalm that focuses on repentance. The fierce anger of God at the Last Judgment against sinners is unyielding. Tribulations on earth arise from sin. Let us be wary of sin and embrace penance. Sin exhausts both body and soul and disrupts inner peace. Engaging in repentance, labor, prayer, fasting, and good works draws down God’s grace.

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Any soul lacking the heavenly salt of the Holy Spirit becomes corrupt and filled with the foulness of evil and empty thoughts, allowing sinister spirits to invade and torment it. The souls of sinners, like beasts, become festering and consumed, covered in impurities and decay. The deterioration of sinful wounds leaves a person weakened and grotesque, plagued by a guilty conscience and shame. Yet, when one begins to repent and treads the path of virtue, the Lord offers aid in the struggle against passions. This message teaches us not to conceal our sins or bury them deep within us as darkness and decay, but to confess them openly and without mercy. The prophet expresses profound anguish due to the loss of the illuminating presence of the Holy Spirit because of his transgressions. By neighbors, we also understand the angels who depart from a person due to sin. Evil spirits pursue the souls of the faithless, attempting to ensnare them with devious schemes daily. The long-suffering of Christ during His passion echoes the cries of Adam and his descendants, who yearn for salvation and deliverance from hell to triumph over sin, condemnation, and death.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.