Psalm 32

A Psalm of David, Maschil.

1Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.footnote a

2Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

3When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

4For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

5I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

6For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.footnote b

7Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

8I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.footnote c

9Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

10Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

The Joy of Forgiveness

Of David. A Maskil.

1Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,whose sins are covered.footnote a 2Blessed is the manwhose iniquity the LORD does not count against him,footnote bin whose spirit there is no deceit.

3When I kept silent, my bones became brittlefrom my groaning all day long. 4For day and nightYour hand was heavy upon me;my strength was drainedfootnote cas in the summer heat.Selah 5Then I acknowledged my sin to Youand did not hide my iniquity.I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”and You forgave the guilt of my sin.Selah 6Therefore let all the godly pray to Youwhile You may be found.Surely when great waters rise,they will not come near. 7You are my hiding place.You protect me from trouble;You surround me with songs of deliverance.Selah 8I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;I will give you counsel and watch over you. 9Do not be like the horse or mule,which have no understanding;they must be controlled with bit and bridleto make them come to you. 10Many are the sorrows of the wicked,but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.

11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones;shout for joy, all you upright in heart.