Psalms 38:20

20. Render evil for good This, as well as wrongfully, in Psalms 38:19, defines their character, (see Psalms 35:12,) and shows that David’s sin did not lie against his subjects, beyond the moral influence of example, but against God. To his enemies he had been a faithful king and liberal patron.

Because I follow… good This he speaks as a king towards his people. He had sought their good, and religiously he had developed the highest idea of the theocracy. The highly religious character of his government was, indeed, a secret cause of their disaffection. The two closing verses are an earnest prayer for instant help.