"I have sinned against the LORD," David said. Nathan replied, "The LORD forgives you; you will not die.

But after David had taken the census, his conscience began to hurt, and he said to the LORD, "I have committed a terrible sin in doing this! Please forgive me. I have acted foolishly."

Each one will say in public, "I have sinned. I have not done right, but God spared me.

You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God, and his word is not in us.

Now we are in your power; do with us what you think is right."

So Samuel told him everything; he did not keep anything back. Eli said, "He is the LORD; he will do whatever seems best to him."

Be strong and courageous! Let's fight hard for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD's will be done!"

But if he isn't pleased with me---well, then, let him do to me what he wishes."

I thought I had been banished from your presence and would never see your holy Temple again.

Perhaps God will change his mind; perhaps he will stop being angry, and we will not die!"

David answered, "I am in a desperate situation! But I don't want to be punished by people. Let the LORD himself be the one to punish us, for he is merciful."

Job, have you confessed your sins to God and promised not to sin again?

Have you asked God to show you your faults, and have you agreed to stop doing evil?