31
1 A Psalm of *instruction by David.
✡ Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin, and in whose mouth there is no guile.
3 Because I kept silence, my bones waxed old, from my crying all the day. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: I became thoroughly miserable while a †thorn was fastened in me. Pause. 5 I acknowledged my sin, and hid not mine iniquity: I said, I will confess mine iniquity to the Lord against myself; and thou forgavest the ungodliness of my heart. Pause. 6 Therefore shall every holy one pray to thee in a fit time: only in the deluge of many waters they shall not come nigh to him. 7 Thou art my refuge from the affliction that encompasses me; my joy, to deliver me from them that have compassed me. Pause.
8 I will instruct thee and guide thee in this way wherein thou shalt go: I will fix mine eyes upon thee. 9 Be ye not as horse and mule, which have no understanding: ‡but thou must constrain their jaws with bit and curb, lest they should come nigh to thee. 10 Many are the scourges of the sinner: but him that hopes in the Lord mercy shall compass about. 11 Be glad in the Lord, and exult, ye righteous: and glory, all ye that are upright in heart.
* 31:1 Gr. for or, of. ✡ 31:1 Rom. 4. 7,8. † 31:4 See Heb. ‡ 31:9 See Alex. ἄγξεις.