| Chapter 51 |
1 | To the chief music-maker. A Psalm. Of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba.
Have pity on me, O God, in your mercy; out of a full heart, take away my sin.
|
2 | Let all my wrongdoing be washed away, and make me clean from evil.
|
3 | For I am conscious of my error; my sin is ever before me.
|
4 | Against you, you only, have I done wrong, working that which is evil in your eyes; so that your words may be seen to be right, and you may be clear when you are judging.
|
5 | Truly, I was formed in evil, and in sin did my mother give me birth.
|
6 | Your desire is for what is true in the inner parts: in the secrets of my soul you will give me knowledge of wisdom.
|
7 | Make me free from sin with hyssop: let me be washed whiter than snow.
|
8 | Make me full of joy and rapture; so that the bones which have been broken may be glad.
|
9 | Let your face be turned from my wrongdoing, and take away all my sins.
|
10 | Make a clean heart in me, O God; give me a right spirit again.
|
11 | Do not put me away from before you, or take your holy spirit from me.
|
12 | Give me back the joy of your salvation; let a free spirit be my support.
|
13 | Then will I make your ways clear to wrongdoers; and sinners will be turned to you.
|
14 | Be my saviour from violent death, O God, the God of my salvation; and my tongue will give praise to your righteousness.
|
15 | O Lord, let my lips be open, so that my mouth may make clear your praise.
|
16 | You have no desire for an offering or I would give it; you have no delight in burned offerings.
|
17 | The offerings of God are a broken spirit; a broken and sorrowing heart, O God, you will not put from you.
|
18 | Do good to Zion in your good pleasure, building up the walls of Jerusalem.
|
19 | Then you will have delight in the offerings of righteousness, in burned offerings and offerings of beasts; then they will make offerings of oxen on your altar.
|