Psalm 32

The Joy of Forgiveness

Davidic. A * Maskil.

1 How joyful is the one

whose transgression is forgiven,

whose sin is covered! w

2 How joyful is the man

the Lord does not charge with sin x

and in whose spirit is no deceit! y

3 When I kept silent, my bones became brittle

from my groaning all day long. z

4 For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; a

my strength was drained b

as in the summer’s heat. c * Selah

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to You

and did not conceal my iniquity.

I said,

“I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”

and You took away the * guilt of my sin. d Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You

at a time that You may be found. e f

When great floodwaters come,

they will not reach him. g

7 You are my hiding place; h

You protect me from trouble. i

You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and show you the way to go; j

with My eye on you, I will give counsel. k

9 Do not be like a horse or mule,

without understanding,

that must be controlled with bit and bridle

or else it will not come near you. l

10 Many pains come to the wicked, m

but the one who trusts in the Lord

will have faithful love surrounding him. n

11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,

you righteous ones;

shout for joy,

all you upright in heart. o