Psalm 51
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
[51:1] Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. [51:2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin. [51:3] For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me. [51:4] Against you, and you only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight; that you may be proved right when you speak, and justified when you judge. [51:5] Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity. In sin my mother conceived me. [51:6] Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. [51:7] Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. [51:8] Let me hear joy and gladness, That the bones which you have broken may rejoice. [51:9] Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all of my iniquities. [51:10] Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. [51:11] Don't throw me from your presence, and don't take your holy Spirit from me. [51:12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit. [51:13] Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners shall be converted to you. [51:14] Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation. My tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness. [51:15] Lord, open my lips. My mouth shall declare your praise. [51:16] For you don't delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it. You have no pleasure in burnt offering. [51:17] The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. [51:18] Do well in your good pleasure to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem. [51:19] Then you will delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, in burnt offerings and in whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer bulls on your altar.