Psalms 51:1-9 ▼

1 For the music director; a psalm of David, written when Nathan the prophet confronted him after David's affair with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, because of your loyal love! Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts!

2 Wash away my wrongdoing! Cleanse me of my sin!

3 For I am aware of my rebellious acts; I am forever conscious of my sin.

4 Against you--you above all--I have sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. So you are just when you confront me; you are right when you condemn me.

5 Look, I was guilty of sin from birth, a sinner the moment my mother conceived me.

6 Look, you desire integrity in the inner man; you want me to possess wisdom.

7 Sprinkle me with water and I will be pure; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Grant me the ultimate joy of being forgiven! May the bones you crushed rejoice!

9 Hide your face from my sins! Wipe away all my guilt!