Psalms 32

A maskil[169] of David.

<1> What a blessing it is

when people are forgiven for the wrong they have done,

when their sins are erased.[170]

<2> What a blessing it is

when the Lord says they are not guilty,

when they don't try to hide their sins.

<3> God, I prayed to you again and again,

but I did not talk about my secret sins.

So I only became weaker and more miserable.

<4> Every day, you made life harder for me.

I became like a dry land in the hot summertime.

<5> But then I decided to confess all my sins to the Lord.

Lord, I told you about my sins.

I did not hide any of my guilt.

And you forgave me for all my sins!

Selah

<6> That is why your loyal followers

pray to you when the time comes.

So when trouble rises like a flood,

it does not reach them.

<7> You are a hiding place for me.

You protect me from my troubles.

You surround me and protect me,

so I sing about the way you saved me.

Selah

<8> The Lord says,

"I will teach you and guide you in the way you should live.

I will watch over you and be your guide.

<9> Don't be like a stupid horse or mule that will not come to you

unless you put a bit in its mouth and pull it with reins."

<10> Many pains will come to bad people,

but the Lord's faithful love will surround those who trust in him.

<11> Good people, rejoice

and be very happy in the Lord.

All you people with pure hearts, rejoice!