Psalms 32

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

Of David. A maskil. Happy those whose transgression is pardoned, whose sin is covered.

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

Happy are those, free from falseness of spirit, to whom the Lord reckons no debt of guilt.

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

When I held my peace, my bones wore away with my endless groaning;

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

for day and night did your hand lie heavy upon me. The sap of my life was dried up as with fierce summer-heat. (Selah)

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)

I began to acknowledge my sin, not concealing my guilt; and the moment I vowed to confess to the Lord my transgression, then you yourself did pardon the guilt of my sin. (Selah)

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.

For this cause let all who are faithful pray to you in the time of distress; then, when the great waters rush, they will not reach to him.

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

For you are my shelter, you protect me from trouble, and surround me with deliverance. (Selah)

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

“With my eye steadfastly upon you, I will instruct and teach you The way you should go.

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.”

Do not be like the horse or the mule, that have no understanding, but need bridle and halter to curb them, else they will not come near to you.”

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

The godless have many sorrows, but those who trust in the Lord will be compassed about by his kindness.

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

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, you righteous; and ring out your joy, all you upright in heart.