Read the Bible

¹ It is a great blessing
    when people are forgiven for the wrongs they have done,
    when their sins are erased.^[a]
2 It is a great blessing
    when the Lord says they are not guilty,
    when they don't try to hide their sins.

³ Lord, I prayed to you again and again,
    but I did not talk about my sins.
    So I only became weaker and more miserable.
⁴ Every day you made life harder for me.
    I became like a dry land in the hot summertime. Selah

⁵ But then I decided to confess my sins to the Lord.
    I stopped hiding my guilt and told you about my sins.
    And you forgave them all! Selah

⁶ That is why your loyal followers pray to you while there is still time.
    Then when trouble rises like a flood, it will not reach them.
⁷ You are a hiding place for me.
    You protect me from my troubles.
You surround me and protect me,
    so I sing about the way you saved me. Selah

⁸ The Lord says, "I will teach you
    and guide you in the way you should live.
    I will watch over you and be your guide.
⁹ Don't be like a stupid horse or mule that will not come to you
    unless you put a bit in its mouth and pull it with reins."

¹⁰ Many pains will come to the wicked,
    but the Lord's faithful love will surround those who trust in him.
¹¹ Good people, rejoice and be very happy in the Lord.
    All you who want to do right, rejoice!