Who are the blessed? A common answer would be those who have accumulated many possessions. But this Psalm says the opposite: it is those who lose something very heavy: their transgression (1), their iniquity (2). This is because no matter how “blessed” we are in other ways, our beings were never meant to carry the awful weight of guilt. Our bones cannot bear the weight of that heavy a luggage (3-4).
How is that weight lifted? David confesses his sin to the LORD (5). He does not cover his sin, so that God may cover it (1), through forgiveness (5).
The Selah reminds us that now is a good point to rest and marvel at this.
Who are the godly? A common answer would be those who are withoutsin. But that’s not the answer, according to this Psalm. The godly are those who have the good sense to call out to God while there’s still time and breath (6). Thus when judgment for sin comes - for we all sin - the Wrath-Bringer will be one’s Hiding-Place (7). The One we might run from is the One we must run to.
Again, the Selah says, “Pause and ponder this.”
The point: don’t stubbornly remain in standard-issue human stupidity (9). Listen to revelation (8). This world is hard on fools (10), but that need not be the end. Trust in the LORD, first for the forgiveness of sin. Receive His relief, and rejoice in your newfound freedom (11)!