PSALM 31 (32)

Blessed is he whose
iniquity has been forgiven
and his sin has been
put out of sight.
Blessed is the man
to whom the Lord
does not impute iniquity,
nor is there dishonesty
in his spirit.
Because I did not speak,
my bones wasted away
in groaning all the day,
for day and night
your hand weighed upon me,
my strength was consumed
as in the heat of summer.
I confess my sin to you,
and do not hide
my iniquity.
I said "I shall confess
my crime before the Lord,"
and you forgave the iniquity
of my sin.
Because of this every devoted
one prays to you
in time of need,
and when floods of
many waters come,
they will not reach him.
You are my protection--
guard me against
the enemy.
You will surround me
with the joy
of my salvation.

I will instruct you
and show you the way
in which you should go.
I will keep you in my sight.
Do not become like
a horse or a mule,
that lacking understanding
will not come to you
without bit and bridle.

Many are the sorrows
of the impious,
but the one who trusts
in the Lord
will be surrounded by
his mercy.
Exult and rejoice in the Lord,
all ye just,
and praise him,
all ye of righteous heart.