Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Kings 8:36

"then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou teachest them the good way wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance." — 1 Kings 8:36 (ASV)

Teach them ... - Rather, "when you are teaching them (by your chastisement) the good way that they should walk in," that is, when you are still teaching, not taking vengeance.