Psalms 38:20 - They who also render evil for good are adversaries to me, because I follow what is good.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Psalms 38:20" mean?
Psalm 38:20 expresses a deep sense of betrayal and righteous indignation on the part of the psalmist. Let's break down what it means:
"They who also render evil for good": This refers to people who repay kindness and good deeds with wickedness and harm. The psalmist has been doing good things for these people, offering help, perhaps loyalty, or friendship, and they are responding with negativity, perhaps actively working against him. This is a particularly painful kind of betrayal.
"are adversaries to me": Because they are acting in this way, they are his enemies or opponents. Their actions have made them hostile to him. The term "adversaries" implies that they are actively opposing and working against him.
"because I follow what is good": This is the crux of the matter. The psalmist's motivation for their animosity is his commitment to doing what is right. His adherence to goodness seems to provoke them to evil. In other words, his goodness highlights their wickedness, and they resent him for it. He is being targeted for being virtuous.
In essence, the verse conveys that the psalmist is being opposed and treated badly by people precisely because he is trying to live a good and righteous life. Their evil actions are in direct contrast to his good intentions, making them his enemies.
The verse highlights:
The pain of betrayal: It's particularly hurtful when those you treat well repay you with harm.
The conflict between good and evil: Choosing to live a righteous life can attract opposition from those who embrace wickedness.
The psalmist's steadfast commitment to goodness: Despite the adversity, he remains determined to follow the path of righteousness.
The potential for injustice: The psalmist is suffering because he is doing the right thing, which is a recurring theme in the Psalms.
The verse is a lament about the injustice the psalmist is experiencing because of his commitment to goodness. It also suggests that choosing to do good can sometimes make you a target for those who prefer evil.
Psalms 38:20 - They who also render evil for good are adversaries to me, because I follow what is good.
What does "Psalms 38:20" mean?
Psalm 38:20 expresses a deep sense of betrayal and righteous indignation on the part of the psalmist. Let's break down what it means:
"They who also render evil for good": This refers to people who repay kindness and good deeds with wickedness and harm. The psalmist has been doing good things for these people, offering help, perhaps loyalty, or friendship, and they are responding with negativity, perhaps actively working against him. This is a particularly painful kind of betrayal.
"are adversaries to me": Because they are acting in this way, they are his enemies or opponents. Their actions have made them hostile to him. The term "adversaries" implies that they are actively opposing and working against him.
"because I follow what is good": This is the crux of the matter. The psalmist's motivation for their animosity is his commitment to doing what is right. His adherence to goodness seems to provoke them to evil. In other words, his goodness highlights their wickedness, and they resent him for it. He is being targeted for being virtuous.
In essence, the verse conveys that the psalmist is being opposed and treated badly by people precisely because he is trying to live a good and righteous life. Their evil actions are in direct contrast to his good intentions, making them his enemies.
The verse highlights:
The pain of betrayal: It's particularly hurtful when those you treat well repay you with harm.
The conflict between good and evil: Choosing to live a righteous life can attract opposition from those who embrace wickedness.
The psalmist's steadfast commitment to goodness: Despite the adversity, he remains determined to follow the path of righteousness.
The potential for injustice: The psalmist is suffering because he is doing the right thing, which is a recurring theme in the Psalms.
The verse is a lament about the injustice the psalmist is experiencing because of his commitment to goodness. It also suggests that choosing to do good can sometimes make you a target for those who prefer evil.