What is the meaning of Psalm 38:20?

Those who repay my good with evil

David is shocked that kindness can provoke hostility. Psalm 35:12 already echoed his complaint: “They repay me evil for good and hatred for my love”. This reversal of moral order breaks God’s design (Proverbs 17:13). We, too, may find that generosity is met with suspicion or deceit. Christ Himself asked, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of these do you stone Me?” (John 10:32). Whenever evil answers goodness, the believer is encouraged to keep trusting God’s justice (Romans 12:19) and keep reflecting His character (Matthew 5:44–45).

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attack me

The opposition is not passive; it is active, even violent. David feels besieged—“They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause” (Psalm 109:3). Attacks can be verbal, relational, or physical; all are wounds to the soul. Jesus foretold that “you will be hated by everyone because of My name” (Matthew 10:22). Peter reminds suffering saints that Christ “left you an example” when He “did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats” (1 Peter 2:21–23). Like David, we take refuge in God rather than in self-defense (Psalm 62:5–6).

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for pursuing the good

The irony deepens: David is targeted precisely because he “pursues the good.” Doing the right thing can provoke those who cherish darkness (John 3:19–20). Paul told the Galatians, “Let us not grow weary in well-doing” (Galatians 6:9), while Peter observed, “Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed” (1 Peter 3:14). The promise stands: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). When persecution arises for righteousness, the believer remains steadfast, trusting that God vindicates integrity (Psalm 37:5–6).

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summary

Psalm 38:20 captures the sting of betrayal: good deeds met with evil, relentless attacks, and suffering precisely because one chooses what is right. David’s lament validates our own experiences, yet also steers us toward patient endurance, confident that the God who sees will ultimately reward every pursuit of the good.