My wounds are poisoned and evil-smelling, because of my foolish behaviour.
MESSAGE
The cuts in my flesh stink and grow maggots because I've lived so badly.
NKJV
My wounds are foul [and] festering Because of my foolishness.
PHILIPS
RWEBSTR
My wounds stink [and] are corrupt because of my foolishness.
GWV
My wounds smell rotten. They fester because of my stupidity.
NET
My wounds* are infected and starting to smell,* because of my foolish sins.*
NET
38:5 My wounds1387
sn The reference to wounds may be an extension of the metaphorical language of v. 2. The psalmist pictures himself as one whose flesh is ripped and torn by arrows.
are infected and starting to smell,1388
tnHeb “my wounds stink, they are festering” (cf. NEB).