he doesn't punish us as our sins deserve.
You punished us because of our terrible sins. But you did not punish us nearly as much as we deserve, and you have brought some of us back home.
The Lord's kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed.
If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long.
But you are merciful and kind, and so you never forgot them or let them be destroyed.
and let you know that wisdom has many different sides. You would then discover that God has punished you less than you deserve.
I know your reputation, Lord, and I am amazed at what you have done. Please turn from your anger and be merciful; do for us what you did for our ancestors.
When that happens, we tell everyone, “I sinned and did wrong, but God forgave me
