Psalms 38:20

"They who give evil for good are also adversaries to me, because I follow what is good."

Key Reflection

Psalms 38:20 teaches that those who respond to kindness with cruelty and righteousness with wickedness become one’s enemies. By following what is good, even when persecuted for it, the righteous stand firm against such adversaries, highlighting the moral contrast between their path and those who oppose it.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They also that render evil for good -They whose characteristic it is to return evil for good, are opposed to me. This implies that those who were now seeking his ruin had been formerly benefitted by him. They were persons who cherished no grateful recollection of favors bestowed on them, but who found a pleasure in persecuting and wronging their benefactor. ComparePsalms 35:12-16. “Are my adversaries.” Are now opposed to me; have become my enemies. Because I follow the thing that good is -This properly means, Because I follow the good. The Hebrew word rendered “because” -תחתtachath- means properly the lower part; what is underneath; then, below; beneath.

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