David traces the reasons for personal sin in a life, the phenomenon of God’s mercy, the benefits of trusting Him, and the tragic result of rejecting His kindness. There is no treatment of sin and salvation as profound and uplifting as this psalm.

David provides eight reasons why we commit personal sin, then sets out the magnitude of God’s mercy, His promises of pardon and life, His soaring unchangeable standards, His provisions of help, and the precious thing He gives to those who trust Him.