Psalms 32

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

“A psalm of David.” Happy is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is pardoned!

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

Happy the man to whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no guile!

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

While I kept silence, my bones were wasted, By reason of my groaning all the day long.

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

For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me; My moisture dried up, as in summer's drought.

5 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)

At length I acknowledged to thee my sin, And did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgression to the LORD;” And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin! (Pause)

6 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.

Therefore shall every pious man pray to thee, while thou mayst be found; Surely the floods of great waters shall not come near him.

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

Thou art my hiding-place; thou preservest me from trouble; Thou compassest me about with songs of deliverance. (Pause)

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

I will instruct thee, and show thee the way thou shouldst go; I will give thee counsel, and keep mine eye upon thee.

9 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.”

Be ye not like the horse and the mule, which have no understanding, Whose mouths must be pressed with the bridle and curb, Because they will not come near thee!

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

The wicked hath many sorrows; But he that trusteth in the LORD is encompassed with mercies.

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

Rejoice in the LORD, and be glad, ye righteous; Shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart!