1 A Psalme of David to give instruction. Blessed is he whose wickednes is forgiuen, and whose sinne is couered. 2 Blessed is the man, vnto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquitie, and in whose spirite there is no guile. 3 When I helde my tongue, my bones consumed, or when I roared all the day, 4 (For thine hand is heauie vpon me, day and night: and my moysture is turned into ye drought of summer. Selah) 5 Then I acknowledged my sinne vnto thee, neither hid I mine iniquitie: for I thought, I will confesse against my selfe my wickednesse vnto the Lord, and thou forgauest the punishment of my sinne. Selah. 6 Therefore shall euery one, that is godly, make his prayer vnto thee in a time, when thou mayest be founde: surely in the flood of great waters they shall not come neere him. 7 Thou art my secret place: thou preseruest me from trouble: thou compassest me about with ioyfull deliuerance. Selah. 8 I will instruct thee, and teache thee in the way that thou shalt goe, and I will guide thee with mine eye. 9 Be ye not like an horse, or like a mule, which vnderstand not: whose mouthes thou doest binde with bit and bridle, least they come neere thee. 10 Many sorowes shall come to the wicked: but he, that trusteth in the Lord, mercie shall compasse him. 11 Be glad ye righteous, and reioyce in the Lord, and be ioyfull all ye, that are vpright in heart.
Confession and Forgiveness
1 Happy are those whose sins are forgiven,
whose wrongs are pardoned.
2 Happy is the one whom the Lord does not accuse of doing wrong
and who is free from all deceit.
3 When I did not confess my sins,
I was worn out from crying all day long.
4 Day and night you punished me, Lord;
my strength was completely drained,
as moisture is dried up by the summer heat.
5 Then I confessed my sins to you;
I did not conceal my wrongdoings.
I decided to confess them to you,
and you forgave all my sins.
6 So all your loyal people should pray to you in times of need;
when a great flood of trouble comes rushing in,
it will not reach them.
7 You are my hiding place;
you will save me from trouble.
I sing aloud of your salvation,
because you protect me.
8 The Lord says, “I will teach you the way you should go;
I will instruct you and advise you.
9 Don't be stupid like a horse or a mule,
which must be controlled with a bit and bridle
to make it submit.”
10 The wicked will have to suffer,
but those who trust in the Lord
are protected by his constant love.
11 You that are righteous, be glad and rejoice
because of what the Lord has done.
You that obey him, shout for joy!