This is the fourth of the Penitential Psalms. Like Psalm 32, it came out of David’s sin with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11–12) and his futile attempt to cover it up. If any chapter in the Bible reveals the high cost of sinning, it is this one.

I. Sin hurts the sinner. David’s whole being was affected by his sin: his eyes (v. 3), mind (v. 6), ears (v. 8), heart (v. 10), spirit (v. 10), and mouth (vv. 13–15). He lost fellowship with God (v. 11) and the joy of the Lord (v. 12). Are the pleasures of sin worth paying this great price?

II. Sin hurts others. Sin can bring tragic consequences to the lives of others (James 1:13–16), especially one’s family. David’s sin led to Uriah’s death. Bathsheba’s baby died. David’s lovely daughter Tamar was violated by her brother Amnon, who was then killed by Absalom, who in turn was slain by Joab. Is a fleeting moment of sinful pleasure worth a lifetime of sorrow?

III. Sin hurts God. We hurt ourselves and others when we sin, but primarily, our sins are against God (v. 4). Sin makes us dirty (vv. 2, 7). Sin is rebellion against God’s holy law. If you want to know how much sin hurts God, go to Calvary and see His Son dying for the sins of the world. God is love, and our selfish sins break His heart.

God is merciful and gracious and forgives when we come in repentance and faith (1 John 1:9). David did not want “cheap” forgiveness; he came with a broken heart.

“How sad it is to have to live with the consequences of forgiven sin” William Culbertson

David’s Prayer “Blot out my transgressions” was David’s prayer (Ps. 51:1). To see how God answers, read

²⁵ Eu, Eu îţi şterg fărădelegile, pentru Mine, şi nu-Mi voi mai aduce aminte de păcatele tale. – Isaiah 43:25;

²² Eu îţi şterg fărădelegile ca un nor şi păcatele ca o ceaţă: întoarce-te la Mine, căci Eu te-am răscumpărat.” – 44:22;

Micah 7:18–19; Acts 3:19; and Hebrews 10:14–18.

Wiersbe, Warren W.. With The Word Bible Commentary (Chapter-By-Chapter Bible Handbook) . Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

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