In Psalm 38, the psalmist expresses the weight of their guilt, feeling burdened beyond their ability to bear. They acknowledge that all of their desires and struggles are laid bare before the Lord, with even their sighs not hidden from His sight. The psalmist laments the multitude of enemies who actively work against them, without cause or reason. They describe how those who they have shown kindness to in the past now turn against them, spreading slander and lies as they strive to do what is right. The psalmist's words convey a sense of betrayal and isolation, as they endure the pain of facing opposition from those they once trusted.

Psalm 38 is often interpreted as a Penitent Psalm, reflecting a deep sense of remorse and repentance. In the reformed tradition, this Psalm is seen as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for confession. It is believed that God disciplines us when we stray from his path, in order to teach us the pain and consequences of our actions. This idea is supported by the teaching in Hebrews that a father disciplines his son out of love. The discipline described in Psalm 38 is portrayed as a painful but necessary process for spiritual growth and restoration. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness.

It is our duty to fully immerse our minds in the teachings of scripture. By delving into the depths of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Psalms, we are able to dissect each word and chapter to grasp the true essence of the message being conveyed. This task is no simple feat, as it requires a thorough examination and understanding of each phrase within the context of the Psalm as a whole. Over the course of 40 years, I have devoted myself to memorizing and meditating on the Psalms, gaining insight into the cultural nuances and language used by the Psalmist to express their experiences. Through countless recitations of the Psalms, I have come to realize that not every complaint made by the Psalmist is rooted in sin, but rather serves as a means of expressing their deepest emotions and vulnerabilities.

The theologians neglect to address the significance of curses within their analyses, thereby distorting the interpretation of the Psalm and impacting our comprehension of sin, worldview, and spiritual hierarchy. Inclusion of curses in the Penitent Psalms alters the intended message of the text, as the Psalmist candidly acknowledges his suffering, proclaims his innocence from a place of inner righteousness, and invokes curses upon his adversaries. When approaching the Psalm from a literal perspective and examining the curses within it, one might interpret the speaker as expressing frustration and animosity towards their enemies, rather than focusing on seeking forgiveness for their transgressions. Nevertheless, through a selective reading of the text, it is possible to view the Penitent Psalms as compositions crafted with the purpose of repentance and the desire for reconciliation with a divine entity.

When approaching the Penitent Psalms through a lens of repentance, the emphasis is on seeking forgiveness from God through self-reflection. Conversely, when we free ourselves from the burden of curses found in these Psalms, the focus shifts towards external matters rather than internal ones. Rather than solely emphasizing the need for personal repentance for self-improvement, unlocking the curses in the Psalms encourages engagement in the spiritual struggle and a redirection of focus away from dwelling on one's sinful nature. Intentionally omitting words from a text can pose a risk, leading others to struggle and potentially misinterpret the message. It is imperative to prevent the manipulation or distortion of words present in religious or sacred texts.