Psalm 32

A psalm^a of David.

¹Oh, what joy for those

whose disobedience is forgiven,

whose sin is put out of sight!

²Yes, what joy for those

whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,^b

whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

³When I refused to confess my sin,

my body wasted away,

and I groaned all day long.

⁴Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.

My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude

⁵Finally, I confessed all my sins to you

and stopped trying to hide my guilt.

I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”

And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude

⁶Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,

that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.

⁷For you are my hiding place;

you protect me from trouble.

You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude

⁸The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

I will advise you and watch over you.

⁹Do not be like a senseless horse or mule

that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

¹⁰Many sorrows come to the wicked,

but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.

¹¹So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!

Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!