Psalm 32

William Helder © 1980, 2004

1. Blest is the man whose trespass is forgiven,
   Whose sins are covered in the sight of heaven;
   Against whom You, O LORD, will graciously
   Not count his guilt and his iniquity.
   Blest he who with a heart contrite and lowly
   Confesses all his sins, O LORD most holy;
   Who does not secretly Your laws transgress,
   Whose spirit harbors no deceitfulness.
   
2. When I kept silent, sinful ways condoning,
   I pined away through my incessant groaning.
   Your hand weighed down on me in my deceit;
   My strength was sapped as by the summer’s heat.
   To You, O God of justice and compassion,
   I then at last acknowledged my transgression.
   I said, “My misdeeds I to You confess,”
   And You forgave my guilt and sinfulness.
   
3. Let all the godly when they grieve or suffer
   To You their prayers and supplications offer.
   When roaring floods of mighty waters rise,
   They shall not reach him who on You relies.
   O LORD, You are my shelter; You protect me.
   You are my shield, whatever may afflict me.
   Songs of deliv’rance echo all around;
   You cheer my spirit with their joyful sound.
   
4. I will instruct you, with my aid provide you,
   And in the way that you should go will guide you.
   My counsel will be ever at your side,
   And, keeping watch, I will with you abide.
   Be not a fool, who has no understanding;
   Do not behave like horse or mule, depending
   On bit and bridle to control their course;
   They disobey unless restrained by force.
   
5. With many woes the wicked are afflicted,
   But those who trust in God are well protected;
   Them will the LORD with steadfast love surround.
   Those who revere Him are with mercy crowned.
   Be glad, You righteous, in the LORD rejoicing;
   Exult in Him, your jubilation voicing.
   All you of upright heart, with joyful shout
   Now let the praises of the LORD ring out.