1To the chief musician, a psalm of David,¶
2When Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in unto Bath-sheba’.¶
3Be gracious unto me, O God, according to thy kindness: according to the greatness of thy mercies blot out my transgressions.
4Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
5For of my transgressions I have full knowledge; and my sin is before me continually.
6To thee, thee only, have I sinned, and what is evil in thy eyes have I done:—in order that thou mightest be righteous when thou speakest, be justified when thou judgest.
7Behold, in iniquity was I brought forth; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
8Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: therefore do thou cause me to know wisdom in the recesses of the heart.
9Cleanse me from sin with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
10Cause me to hear gladness and joy; that the bones which thou hast crushed may rejoice.
11Hide thy face from my sins, and all my iniquities do thou blot out.
12Create unto me a clean heart, O God; and a firm spirit renew thou within me.
13Cast me not away from thy presence; and thy holy spirit do not take from me.
14Restore unto me the gladness of thy salvation; and with a liberal spirit do thou support me.—
15I will teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall return unto thee.
16Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; that my tongue may sing aloud of thy righteousness.
17O Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall declare thy praise.
18For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: in burnt-offering hast thou no delight.
19The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, wilt thou not despise. Do good in thy favor unto Zion; build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then wilt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt-offering and entire offering: then shall bullocks be offered upon thy altar.