Covered, Counted Clean
Of David. A wisdom psalm.
David describes what silence cost him — bones wasting, strength dried up as in summer heat — and what confession ended in a single sentence. Then he turns to teaching: do not be a mule that must be dragged; come while our Father may be found.
32 1How blessed is the one whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is covered over! a a v1 Paul quotes this verse and the next as the heart of being made right with our Father — forgiveness credited to us apart from anything we earn (Romans 4:7-8). 2How blessed is the person against whom our Father counts no guilt, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!
3When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover up my guilt; I said, "I will confess my rebellions to our Father"—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
6Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely when the great waters rise, they will not reach him. 7You are a hiding place for me; you keep me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose spirit must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not come near you.
10Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but the one who trusts in our Father is surrounded by his covenant love. 11Be glad in our Father and rejoice, you righteous; shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart!
