John Calvin Commentary Psalms 38:13

"But I, as a deaf man, hear not; And I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth." — Psalms 38:13 (ASV)

But I, as a deaf man, hear not, etc. The inspired writer here compares himself to a dumb and deaf man for two reasons. In the first place, he intimates that he was so overwhelmed by the false and wicked judgments of his enemies, that he was not even permitted to open his mouth in his own defense.

In the second place, he presents before God his own patience as a plea to induce God more readily to have pity on him; for such meekness and gentleness not only, with good reason, secure favor for the afflicted and the innocent, but are also a sign of true piety.

Those who depend on the world and look only to men, if they cannot avenge the injuries done to them, plainly show by their loud complaints the burning rage and fury of their hearts. Therefore, in order that a person may quietly and patiently endure the insolence, violence, calumny, and deceit of their enemies, it is necessary that they trust in God.

The person who is fully persuaded in their own heart that God is their defender will cherish their hope in silence and, calling on God for help, will restrain their own passions. Accordingly, Paul, in Romans 12:19, very properly says that we give place unto wrath when, oppressed before the world, we nevertheless still repose on God.

On the other hand, whoever gives loose rein to their passions takes away as much as they can from God—to whom alone belongs the right of taking vengeance—and deprives themselves of God’s assistance.

It is indeed certain that if David had obtained a hearing, he would have been ready to defend his own innocence. But perceiving that it availed him nothing, and indeed, that he was shut out and debarred from all defense of his cause, he humbly submitted, waiting patiently for the heavenly Judge.

He therefore says that he held his peace, as if he had already been convicted and struck dumb. And it is indeed very difficult, when we are conscious of our own innocence, to bear an unjust condemnation patiently and silently, as if all argument had failed us and we had no excuse or reply left.