Psalms 38:20

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

Psalms 38:20 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 38 is a penitential psalm attributed to David, expressing deep anguish over sin and its physical and emotional consequences. In this chapter, David acknowledges his iniquity and pleads for the Lord’s mercy, while also describing the hostility of his enemies. Verse 20 comes near the end of the psalm, after David has confessed his sin and noted that his enemies are vigorous and numerous. The verse sets the stage for his closing plea that the Lord not forsake him.

The immediate context shows that David does not claim personal perfection. His pursuit of good is genuine despite his failures, and the adversaries’ evil is not a response to his sin but to his commitment to righteousness.

Meaning

The verse describes adversaries who “render evil for good,” meaning they deliberately repay David’s kindness or good deeds with malice and harm. The Hebrew phrase indicates a calculated exchange of evil for good, not a misunderstanding or accidental offense. These adversaries are “mine adversaries“—they actively oppose David because he “follow[s] the thing that good is.” The Hebrew verb for “follow” suggests pursuing or clinging to good, which in this context means walking after God’s ways even amid chastening.

David’s commitment to good is the very reason for the opposition. The hostility is unjust because it is directed at one who seeks good, and it is not random but provoked by his faithfulness. This distinction is vital: the adversaries’ evil is not a response to David’s sin but to his pursuit of righteousness.

Biblical connections

This theme recurs in David’s experience. In Psalm 35:12, he laments that his adversaries reward him evil for good, to the spoiling of his soul, showing that this was a repeated pattern in his life. The parallel reinforces that the psalmist’s adversaries consistently repaid his good with evil, and it frames his appeal to God for justice.

Application

This verse offers practical lessons for believers. First, expect opposition: just as the psalmist encountered adversaries, we too may face opposition when we strive to do what is good and pleasing to God. Faithfulness to God can provoke hostility, even from those who have received good from us.

Second, remain faithful: like the psalmist, we should strive to follow what is good despite the adversity we encounter. Our commitment to righteousness should not waver in the face of opposition, and we should resist the temptation to retaliate or abandon goodness when mistreated.

Third, trust in God’s justice: while it may seem unfair when others repay our good with evil, we can take comfort in knowing that God is a just and righteous judge. The verse does not promise deliverance from such adversaries in this life, but it models bringing the injustice to God in prayer, as David does in the following verses.

Reflection

Consider how you respond when your good is repaid with evil. The psalmist’s example encourages us to persist in doing good, to entrust our cause to God, and to depend on His mercy. Our pursuit of good is not in vain, for God sees the injustice and remains our refuge.