Psalms 32

1 Of David. Maschil. Happy is he who has forgiveness for his wrongdoing, and whose sin is covered.

A psalm of David. How happy are those whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

2 Happy is the man in whom the Lord sees no evil, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

How happy are those whose sins the Lord does not count against them, those who do not act deceptively.

3 When I kept my mouth shut, my bones were wasted, because of my crying all through the day.

When I kept quiet, my body fell apart as I groaned in distress all day long.

4 For the weight of your hand was on me day and night; my body became dry like the earth in summer. (Selah)

You beat me day and night, my strength dried up as in the heat of summer. (Selah)

5 I made my wrongdoing clear to you, and did not keep back my sin. I said, I will put it all before the Lord; and you took away my wrongdoing and my sin. (Selah)

Then I confessed my sins to you. I did not hide the wrongs I had done. I said to myself, “I will confess my disobedience to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sins. (Selah)

6 For this cause let every saint make his prayer to you at a time when you are near: then the overflowing of the great waters will not overtake him.

Therefore let all who are faithful pray to you while there's time, so when trouble comes in like a flood it will not overwhelm them.

7 You are my safe and secret place; you will keep me from trouble; you will put songs of salvation on the lips of those who are round me. (Selah)

For you are my refuge, you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of salvation. (Selah)

8 I will give you knowledge, teaching you the way to go; my eye will be your guide.

“I will instruct you, teaching you the way to follow. I will advise you, watching out for you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the ass, without sense; ...

You mustn't be like a horse or a mule that doesn't know which way to go without a bit or a bridle. Otherwise they can't be controlled.”

10 The sinner will be full of trouble; but mercy will be round the man who has faith in the Lord.

The wicked have many problems, but those who trust in the Lord will be surrounded by his never-failing love.

11 Be glad in the Lord with joy, you upright men; give cries of joy, all you whose hearts are true.

So be happy in the Lord and celebrate, you who do good. Shout for joy, all you who live right!