Psalms 38:14
Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
Original Language Analysis
וָאֱהִ֗י
H1961
וָאֱהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּ֭אִישׁ
Thus I was as a man
H376
כְּ֭אִישׁ
Thus I was as a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שֹׁמֵ֑עַ
that heareth
H8085
שֹׁמֵ֑עַ
that heareth
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
5 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
Historical Context
Ancient legal proceedings often devolved into shouting matches where the loudest voice won. Proverbs repeatedly warns against the 'contentious' person (Proverbs 26:21). David's silence would shock observers accustomed to vigorous self-defense. This restraint demonstrates royal wisdom—a king secure in his true Judge doesn't need to win earthly courts.
Questions for Reflection
- What situations tempt you to offer 'reproofs' and self-justifications when silence would demonstrate greater trust?
- How do you distinguish between appropriate self-defense and the prideful need to 'win' arguments?
- When has choosing to 'hear not' malicious voices freed you to hear God's voice more clearly?
Analysis & Commentary
Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. David reinforces v.13's silence—he becomes one who heareth not (לֹא שֹׁמֵעַ, lo shomea) and offers no reproofs (תּוֹכָחוֹת, tokachot, corrections/arguments). He refuses both to receive false accusations and to issue counter-accusations.
This restraint is not passive resignation but active submission to God's judgment. The absence of tokachot (same root as the Spirit's 'reproof' in John 16:8) means David won't usurp the Spirit's role. He trusts God to convict, correct, and vindicate. Self-defense often stems from pride; silence from humble confidence in divine justice.