Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Psalms 38:13

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

He says then, "But I as a deaf man heard not" [Psalm 38:13]. He who replied not to what He heard, did, as it were, not hear them. "But I as a deaf man heard not. And I was as a dumb man that opens not his mouth." And he repeats the same things again.

Exposition on Psalm 38 ↗

Ambrose of Milan

The just person will want to conform his life to the image and likeness of Jesus, and though accused, he will be silent; if he is hurt, he will forgive. Wrongs done to him he will cover up, not opening his mouth. In this way he will be imitating him who like a lamb was led to the slaughter, never opening his mouth. Though he could have made an answer, he preferred silence to speech. …

Commentaries on the Twelve Davidic Psalms ↗

Thomas Aquinas

"But I, as one deaf." Here he shows the patience he exhibited. And first he sets forth the patience; second, the effect of patience, at "And I became like a man." When men are afflicted, unless they bear it patiently, they are first disturbed in soul, then disordered in words. But the remedy against being disturbed in soul is to be like a deaf person not hearing wicked words. And therefore he says, "But I, as one deaf, did not hear," that is, I pretended not to hear. Sir. 1: "The patient man will endure for a time." Likewise, Sir. …

Exposition on the Psalms of David ↗