The Joy of Forgiveness

Of David. A Maskil.

¹ Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered.

² Blessed is the man

whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him,

in whose spirit there is no deceit.

³ When I kept silent, my bones became brittle

from my groaning all day long.

⁴ For day and night

Your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength was drained

as in the summer heat.

Selah

⁵ Then I acknowledged my sin to You

and did not hide^* my iniquity.

I said, “I will confess^* my transgressions to the LORD,”

and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Selah

⁶ Therefore let all the godly pray to You

while You may be found.

Surely when great waters rise,

they will not come near.

⁷ You are my hiding place.

You protect me from trouble;

You surround me with songs of deliverance.

Selah

⁸ I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;

I will give you counsel and watch over you.

⁹ Do not be like the horse or mule,

which have no understanding;

they must be controlled with bit and bridle

to make them come to you.

¹⁰ Many are the sorrows^* of the wicked,

but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.

¹¹ Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones;

shout for joy, all you upright in heart.