Psalms Chapter 32 (KJV)
Psalms 32
Forgiveness of SinThe Burden of Unconfessed SinGod as Hiding PlaceDivine GuidanceJoy in Salvation
[{A Psalm} of David, Maschil.] Blessed {is he whose} transgression {is} forgiven, {whose} sin {is} covered. {A Psalm...: or, A Psalm of David giving instruction}
Blessed {is} the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit {there is} no guile.
When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. {when...: Heb. of finding}
Thou {art} my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. {guide...: Heb. counsel thee, mine eye shall be upon thee}
Be ye not as the horse, {or} as the mule, {which} have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
Many sorrows {shall be} to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all {ye that are} upright in heart.
Context & Meaning
Psalm 32 is David's joyful expression of relief and gratitude for God's forgiveness after a period of unconfessed sin. He vividly describes the physical and emotional torment of living with unrepentant sin and the liberation experienced when he finally acknowledges his transgressions to God.