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Psalms 69:5 meaning

Even our secret sins are fully exposed before God, and confession opens the way to His merciful grace.

In the midst of a heartfelt plea, the psalmist declares, “O God, it is You who knows my folly, And my wrongs are not hidden from You.” (v.5) Within this single sentence, we hear an open admission that God sees and understands every fault. David, a key figure in Israel’s history who ruled as king from around 1010 BC to 970 BC, is traditionally credited with writing many of the psalms, including Psalm 69. David’s life spanned the period when he united the tribes of Israel under one kingdom, centered around the city of Jerusalem in the southern Levant. Against this backdrop, his words echo the reality that every transgression, no matter how well concealed from human view, is plainly visible before the Lord.

The acknowledgment “You who know my folly” (v.5) captures the intense honesty David practiced in his relationship with God. He confesses that his sins and failings exist in the open, unable to be veiled in the presence of the Almighty. This transparency parallels the invitation in the New Testament to bring sin into the light, so that forgiveness and restoration can be received (1 John 1:9). David’s vulnerability here reveals that, despite his military successes and kingly authority, he recognized his dependence on divine mercy and grace, a truth that resonates through generations of believers.

When David states that “my wrongs are not hidden from You” (v.5), he emphasizes God’s omniscience. The comfort of this truth lies in recognizing that we are fully known and yet still invited into relationship with the Lord. Rather than running from God, David models a heart that seeks refuge in the One who knows him best. This posture finds its ultimate expression in the gospel message, where Jesus extends forgiveness through His sacrifice (Romans 5:8), affirming that no sin is beyond His reach nor hidden from His compassion.

Psalms 69:5