Psalms 32

Psalm 32#sn Psalm 32. The psalmist recalls the agony he experienced prior to confessing his sins and affirms that true happiness comes when one’s sins are forgiven. He then urges others not to be stubborn, but to turn to God while forgiveness is available, for God extends his mercy to the repentant, while the wicked experience nothing but sorrow.

By David; a well-written song.#tn The meaning of the Hebrew term מַשְׂכִּיל (maskil) is uncertain. The word is derived from a verb meaning “to be prudent; to be wise.” Various options are: “a contemplative song,” “a song imparting moral wisdom,” or “a skillful [i.e., well-written] song.” The term occurs in the superscriptions of Pss 32, 42, 44, 45, 52-55, 74, 78, 88, 89, and 142, as well as in Ps 47:7.

1How blessed is the one whose rebellious acts are forgiven, whose sin is pardoned!

2How blessed is the one whose wrongdoing the Lord does not punish, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long.

4For day and night you tormented me; you tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer. (Selah)

5Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, “I will confess my rebellious acts to the Lord.” And then you forgave my sins. (Selah)

6For this reason every one of your faithful followers should pray to you while there is a window of opportunity. Certainly when the surging water rises, it will not reach them.

7You are my hiding place; you protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance. (Selah)

8I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye.

9Do not be like an unintelligent horse or mule, which will not obey you unless they are controlled by a bridle and bit.

10An evil person suffers much pain, but the Lord’s faithfulness overwhelms the one who trusts in him.

11Rejoice in the Lord and be happy, you who are godly! Shout for joy, all you who are morally upright!