Psalms 38:20 Made Simple

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

This is from a psalm of David, likely written during a time when he faced betrayal from people he had treated well. David often experienced opposition from those he had shown mercy to, including King Saul and even his own son Absalom. This reflects the common biblical theme that doing good doesn't always result in receiving good treatment from others.

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Romans 11:28

When it comes to the gospel, they're opposing it — but that actually works in your favor. But when it comes to God's choice, they're still loved because of the promises he made to their ancestors.

Nahum 1:2

God is protective and takes action when he's crossed — the LORD gets justice, and yeah, he gets angry too. He will absolutely settle the score with anyone who goes against him, and he's keeping track of everyone who's made themselves his enemy.

Nehemiah 2:10

When Sanballat from Horon and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply upset that someone had come to help and improve things for the people of Israel.

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