==Psalm 38:5:

​My wounds are foul and festering
Because of my foolishness.

​The verse is part of one of the seven penitential psalms, which are specifically focused on repentance and cries for God's mercy.  The "wounds" and "festering" are often interpreted as a poetic metaphor for the internal corruption and guilt that sin causes. Some commentators, however, suggest David may have been suffering from an actual physical ailment that he interpreted as divine discipline for his actions. The psalmist uses the term "foolishness" or "folly" to describe his sin. In the biblical context, this refers to moral and spiritual stupidity—choosing one's own desires over God's wisdom—rather than a lack of intelligence. A central element of this verse is the psalmist's refusal to blame others or his circumstances. He explicitly states his suffering is "because of my foolishness," acknowledging his own role in his distress. This verse sits within a larger passage (Psalm 38:1–8) describing a person "utterly bowed down" and "feeble" under the "heavy burden" of their iniquities

March 6, 2026: Crossways reported: Biblically, sin always leads to suffering, and the suffering always outweighs whatever fleeting pleasure the sin gives. David mourns the wounds that “stink and fester” because of his own foolishness (Ps. 38:5); the exile towers over the historical and prophetic books like an Everest as the greatest trauma of the Old Testament, but it happens only because of Israel’s betrayal of their covenant Lord and persistent devotion to the gods of the nations (2 Kings 17:7–23; 25:1–21). ​

==Psalm 38:6:

I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.​

Disappointments are God's appointments. They are usually for our own good. There are many dark problems we cannot solve right now. We must wait for clearer and fuller revelation.