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Confession and Forgiveness[a]

32 (A)Happy are those whose sins are forgiven,
    whose wrongs are pardoned.
Happy is the one whom the Lord does not accuse of doing wrong
    and who is free from all deceit.

When I did not confess my sins,
    I was worn out from crying all day long.
Day and night you punished me, Lord;
    my strength was completely drained,
    as moisture is dried up by the summer heat.

Then I confessed my sins to you;
    I did not conceal my wrongdoings.
I decided to confess them to you,
    and you forgave all my sins.

So all your loyal people should pray to you in times of need;[b]
    when a great flood of trouble comes rushing in,
    it will not reach them.
You are my hiding place;
    you will save me from trouble.
I sing aloud of your salvation,
    because you protect me.

The Lord says, “I will teach you the way you should go;
    I will instruct you and advise you.
Don't be stupid like a horse or a mule,
    which must be controlled with a bit and bridle
    to make it submit.”

10 The wicked will have to suffer,
    but those who trust in the Lord
    are protected by his constant love.
11 You that are righteous, be glad and rejoice
    because of what the Lord has done.
You that obey him, shout for joy!

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 32:1 HEBREW TITLE: A poem by David.
  2. Psalm 32:6 Some ancient translations need; Hebrew finding only.

Psalm 32

Of David. A maskil.[a]

Blessed is the one
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.(A)
Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord does not count against them(B)
    and in whose spirit is no deceit.(C)

When I kept silent,(D)
    my bones wasted away(E)
    through my groaning(F) all day long.
For day and night
    your hand was heavy(G) on me;
my strength was sapped(H)
    as in the heat of summer.[b]

Then I acknowledged my sin to you
    and did not cover up my iniquity.(I)
I said, “I will confess(J)
    my transgressions(K) to the Lord.”
And you forgave
    the guilt of my sin.(L)

Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
    while you may be found;(M)
surely the rising(N) of the mighty waters(O)
    will not reach them.(P)
You are my hiding place;(Q)
    you will protect me from trouble(R)
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.(S)

I will instruct(T) you and teach you(U) in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on(V) you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule,
    which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle(W)
    or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked,(X)
    but the Lord’s unfailing love
    surrounds the one who trusts(Y) in him.

11 Rejoice in the Lord(Z) and be glad, you righteous;
    sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 32:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  2. Psalm 32:4 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 5 and 7.