What does Psalms Chapter 37 say, and which statements belong to its speaker?

The Latin incipit is Domine, ne in furore. The separate heading calls this a penitent's prayer for remission and the third penitential psalm. Its inscription is for David in remembrance of the sabbath; the separate note explains remembrance of miseries and sins and sabbath singing. The speaker asks no rebuke in indignation or chastisement in wrath. God's arrows are fastened and hand strong upon him; he says flesh has no health because of wrath and bones no peace because of sins, with iniquities overhead like a heavy burden.

He describes sores putrefied through foolishness, misery and bowing to the end, walking sorrowful all day, loins filled with illusions and flesh without health. He is afflicted and greatly humbled, roaring with heart's groaning; all desire and groaning are known to God. Heart trouble, departed strength and absent eyes' light are described without a diagnosis of fever or palpitations. Friends and neighbors drew near and stood against him, while those near stood far off. Those seeking his soul used violence and enemies studied deceit and spoke vanity all day.

He compares himself to a deaf man not hearing and a dumb man not opening his mouth, without reproofs. He hopes God will hear and fears enemies rejoicing and boasting when feet move. Ready for scourges with sorrow always before him, he will declare iniquity and think for sin; that future declaration is not a completed confession. Enemies are alive, stronger and wrongful haters multiplied, detracting him for following goodness and repaying good with evil. He asks God not to forsake or depart and to attend help as his salvation's God. The prayer does not report subsequent healing or establish a general cause of bodily illness.