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Psalm 32
Our plain-language guide next to the Bible text. Each row lines up one section with the verses it explains.
Section 1: Blessed Is the ForgivenVerses 1 to 2
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered" (32:1).
"Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him" (32:2).
Transgressions, sins, and iniquity: three words for doing wrong. God forgives them all.
1Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Section 2: When I Kept SilentVerses 3 to 5
"When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long" (32:3).
David felt God's hand heavy on him, day and night. He was drained, like a plant in summer heat.
Then he stopped hiding.
"I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and You forgave the guilt of my sin" (32:5).
3When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. 4For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat. Selah 5Then 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
Section 3: My Hiding PlaceVerses 6 to 7
David urges everyone to pray while God may be found.
"You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance" (32:7).
Before, David hid from God. Now he hides in God.
6Therefore let all the godly pray to You while You may be found. Surely when great waters rise, they will not come near. 7You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
Section 4: I Will Teach YouVerses 8 to 11
God speaks: "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you" (32:8).
Don't be stubborn like a mule that has to be dragged.
"Loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD" (32:10).
"Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones" (32:11).
8I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you. 9Do 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. 10Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD. 11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
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