Psalms 38:20
They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
Psalms 38:20
Psalm 38 is a penitential psalm attributed to David, expressing deep distress over physical illness, spiritual guilt, and the sense of being surrounded by enemies. The verse, “They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is,” sits within a complaint against ongoing affliction and betrayal. The psalmist contrasts those who repay kindness with harm against him, while he strives to “follow the thing that good is”—a commitment to righteousness even when misfortune follows. In ancient Near Eastern culture, reciprocal justice and honor were paramount; to be treated as an enemy because one does good would be a painful inversion of expected social norms. The phrase “render evil for good” echoes a common lament in biblical poetry: the innocent suffer at the hands of the malicious, yet the righteous continue to seek the good. The Psalmist’s language of adversaries underscores the felt reality that moral integrity does not shield one from harm. This verse encapsulates the tension between experiencing hostility while pursuing ethical conduct, and it sets the stage for the Psalmist’s primal movement toward petition and trust in God.
The verse highlights two core themes: fidelity to good and the reality of hostile opposition. The righteous are depicted not as flawless but as determined to “follow the thing that good is.” This commitment aligns with a biblical ethic: choosing righteousness even when it invites opposition, rather than retaliating or compromising integrity. The adversarial response to good reveals a brokenness in human relationships and a world stained by sin. Yet the Psalmist does not abandon trust in God; rather, the adversity intensifies the longing for divine justice and vindication. The verse lays groundwork for themes of divine judgment against evil and the call to persevere in goodness despite personal cost. It also foreshadows later biblical ideas about loving enemies, blessing those who mistreat you, and entrusting ultimate justice to God.
When you choose to do good in a hostile environment—at work, in family, or on social media—you may also encounter those who repay kindness with harm. This verse can anchor your posture: remain committed to what is right, even if it provokes opposition or misrepresentation. Practical steps:
- Document interactions and maintain boundaries to prevent escalation.
- Respond with integrity rather than revenge; let your conduct reflect the “good” you’re pursuing.
- Seek God’s vindication rather than rushing to defend yourself, recognizing that honor and justice belong to Him.
- Pray for your adversaries, asking God to soften hearts and reveal truth.
- Build community with trusted mentors or believers who can provide wise perspective.
In communities or workplaces where generosity is exploited, this verse invites a posture of courageous goodwill anchored in faith, not in the approval of others. It reminds us that true allegiance is to God’s good, not to human approval or retaliation.
Cross-References: Romans 12:14-21; Proverbs 17:13; Luke 6:27-31; Psalm 23:4; 1 Peter 3:9