Psalms 32:1-11
The more the soul has first groaned under the weight of its sins, so the more will it value the blessing to which reference is made in vv. 1 and 2. Are you one of those blessed people? If not, v. 5 shows how you may become one (cf. Luke 15:18). "Mine iniquity have I not hid", in other words to confess all, such is the essential requirement so that God can cover my sin (v. 1). If, on the other hand, I try to hide it, God will have to bring it to light sooner or later (Matthew 10:26). It is by awakening the conscience that God begins His work. He lays His hand heavily on the sinner, until he is brought to repentance, soon to be followed by pardon. This last is presented to us in our verses under three aspects: the lifting of a burden, the covering of defilement, the cancelling of a debt.
Then comes the matter of walk. Let us not be like beasts of burden, without intelligence, and for this reason needing to be led by external constraints. The bit and bridle represent the painful measures God is obliged to use when we are unwilling to draw near to Him (v. 9; cf. Proverbs 26:3). How much better it is for us to allow ourselves to be instructed (see title of psalm), taught, counselled directly by the Word and in communion with the Lord.