Psalms 32

Berean Standard Bible

Chapter summary

Psalm 32 begins by describing the blessedness of the person whose transgressions are forgiven and whose iniquity is not counted by the LORD. The speaker recounts that while he kept silent about his sin, his physical strength was drained because God’s hand was heavy upon him day and night. After the speaker openly acknowledged and confessed his sin to the LORD, God forgave the guilt of his transgression. The text notes that godly people should pray while God may be found so they are protected when great waters rise, describing the LORD as a hiding place who surrounds the faithful with songs of deliverance. Addressing the reader directly, the LORD promises to instruct, teach, and counsel those who trust in Him, contrasting them with uncomprehending horses and mules that require a bit and bridle. The psalm concludes by stating that the wicked face many sorrows, while loving devotion surrounds those who trust in the LORD, leading righteous and upright people to rejoice and shout for joy.

Summary automatically generated from the Bible text.

Words of Jesus in red

¹Blessed 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. 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 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 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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Louis Segond 1910 and Berean Standard Bible: public domain. Cross references: open-cross-ref, Creative Commons BY 4.0.