Psalms 51

1For the Leader. A Psalm of David; when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba. Be gracious unto me, O God, according to Thy mercy; According to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgressions.

2Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.

3For I know my transgressions; And my sin is ever before me.

4Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, And done that which is evil in Thy sight; That Thou mayest be justified when Thou speakest, And be in the right when Thou judgest.

5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin did my mother conceive me.

6Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts; Make me, therefore, to know wisdom in mine inmost heart.

7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8Make me to hear joy and gladness; That the bones which Thou hast crushed may rejoice.

9Hide Thy face from my sins, And blot out all mine iniquities.

10Create me a clean heart, O God; And renew a stedfast spirit within me.

11Cast me not away from Thy presence; And take not Thy holy spirit from me.

12Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; And let a willing spirit uphold me.

13Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; And sinners shall return unto Thee.

14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; So shall my tongue sing aloud of Thy righteousness.

15O Lord, open Thou my lips; And my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

16For Thou delightest not in sacrifice, else would I give it; Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering.

17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.

18Do good in Thy favour unto Zion; Build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then wilt Thou delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, in burnt-offering and whole offering; Then will they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.