Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 32:6

"For this let every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: Surely when the great waters overflow they shall not reach unto him." — Psalms 32:6 (ASV)

For this: that is, for this cause.

Shall every one. A better rendering is let every one.

In a time ...: See the margin. The expression “time of finding,” is, of course, elliptical.

The Authorized Version explains this by Isaiah 55:6; but Isaiah 45:8 would suggest that “forgiveness” or “acceptance” is the word to be supplied.

More probably still, some general word, such as “goal” or “object,” is required; the phrase is rendered by the Septuagint as in the appointed time; and by the Vulgate as opportune.

Surely. This word adds emphasis to the statement, whether we render it after Proverbs 13:10 as only unto him, or as in the Authorized Version: He—the godly—is the man whom, when the floods rise, they shall not harm.

The floods may be an image of divine judgment, as in Nahum 1:8, or of temptation and trial, as in Matthew 7:24-27.