A New Heart–from Pride to Humility (vv. 6-10). This is where the story really began, for it was David’s pride that made it necessary for the Lord to chasten him. “Prosperity” means “careless ease, a carefree self-assurance because things are going so well.” This is frequently the attitude of the unconverted (10:6; 73:12; Luke 12:16-21), but it is a constant temptation to believers also (read Deut. 8). One reason the Lord permits trials is that we might not get comfortable in our faith and stop growing. “I was at ease,” said Job, “but He shattered me, and He has grasped me by the neck and shaken me to pieces; He has also set me up as His target” (Job 16:12 nasb). Prosperity without humility can lead to adversity. David’s mountain (kingdom, as in Jer. 51:25) seemed strong, but the Lord showed David how weak he was.

When God’s face is shining upon us (Num. 6:23-27), then we enjoy His rich blessings; but when we rebel, He may hide His face, and this causes trouble (see 10:11; 13:1; 27:9; 88:14; Deut. 31:17-18; 32:20). The Hebrew word translated “troubled” describes “intense agony, terror, anguish.” It’s used in 1 Samuel 28:21 to describe King Saul’s feelings in the house of the witch. Knowing he had sinned, David kept crying out to the Lord for mercy and even debated with Him. “Am I more useful to you in the grave than I am alive on earth? Can the dead praise you and serve you?” (See 88:7-12; 115:17; Isa. 38:18-19.) David was a great king with a strong kingdom, but he was only dust, one short breath away from the grave. He humbled himself and confessed his sin, and the Lord mercifully forgave him and restored him.