English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
1
Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be - you get a fresh start, your slate's wiped clean.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
2
Count yourself lucky - God holds nothing against you and you're holding nothing back from him.
3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
3
When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
4
The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up.
5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
5
Then I let it all out; I said, "I'll make a clean breast of my failures to God." Suddenly the pressure was gone - my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared.
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.
6
These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray; when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts we'll be on high ground, untouched.
7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
7
God's my island hideaway, keeps danger far from the shore, throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
8
Let me give you some good advice; I'm looking you in the eye and giving it to you straight:
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.
9
"Don't be ornery like a horse or mule that needs bit and bridle to stay on track."
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
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God-defiers are always in trouble; God-affirmers find themselves loved every time they turn around.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
11
Celebrate God. Sing together - everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.