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Psalms 38:20

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Those who repay my good deeds with evil are my enemies, and they oppose me because I pursue what is right and good.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is experiencing opposition from people who treat his kindness with cruelty, simply because he chooses to do what's right.

📚 Historical Context

Psalm 38 is a penitential psalm attributed to King David, where he expresses deep anguish over his physical suffering and the betrayal by his enemies, likely during a time of personal illness or conflict in his reign. In the broader narrative of the Psalms, this reflects the struggles of faithful individuals facing unjust opposition in ancient Israel. Specifically, in verse 20, David laments that his adversaries repay his good actions with evil because he is committed to pursuing righteousness.

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