Psalms 38:12
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
Psalms 38:12 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse, the psalmist is expressing their feelings of being targeted by individuals who are actively seeking to harm them. The psalmist describes how their enemies set traps for them, speak maliciously about them, and continuously plot deceitful schemes against them. This verse serves as a reminder that not everyone in life has good intentions, and that there are individuals who may seek to harm or undermine others. It highlights the importance of being cautious and vigilant in dealing with others, and the need to protect oneself from those who may wish to cause harm. The verse also emphasizes the reality of facing adversity and deception in life, highlighting the need to be firm in one's faith and seek guidance and protection from a higher power. Overall, this verse serves as a reflection on the challenges and dangers that one may face, and the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of adversity.
Theological Overview
The expression "lay snares" in this verse implies that those who seek to harm the speaker are setting traps or obstacles in their path. This could be interpreted metaphorically as people trying to undermine the speaker's progress or reputation. The phrase "speak mischievous things" suggests that the individuals seeking harm are spreading harmful rumors or engaging in deceitful speech. The word "mischievous" here indicates a sense of harm or mischief in their actions. Additionally, the statement "imagine deceits all the day long" suggests that these individuals are constantly thinking of ways to deceive or harm the speaker. This paints a picture of a constant threat and danger faced by the speaker from those who seek to harm them.
Psalms 38:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
They also that seek after my life lay snares [for me] ; And they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, And meditate deceits all the day long.
World English Bible
They also who seek after my life lay snares. Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all day long.
Douay-Rheims
Thou hast corrected man for iniquity. And thou hast made his soul to waste away like a spider: surely in vain is any man disquieted.
Geneva Bible (1599)
They also, that seeke after my life, laye snares, and they that go about to do me euil, talke wicked things and imagine deceite continually.