Psalms 51

To the director.[278] A song of David[279] telling about the time Nathan the prophet came to him after David's sin with Bathsheba.

<1> God, be merciful to me

because of your faithful love.

Because of your great compassion,

erase all the wrongs I have done.

<2> Scrub away my guilt.

Wash me clean from my sin.

<3> I know I have done wrong.

I remember that sin all the time.

<4> I did what you said is wrong.

You are the one I have sinned against.

I say this so that people will know

that I am wrong, and you are right.

Your decisions are fair.

<5> I was born in sin.

In sin my mother conceived me.

<6> You want me to be truly loyal,

so put true wisdom deep inside of me.

<7> Remove my sin and make me pure.[280]

Wash me until I am whiter than snow!

<8> Let me hear sounds of joy and happiness again.

Let the bones you crushed be happy again.

<9> Don't look at my sins.

Erase them all.

<10> God, create a pure heart in me,

and make my spirit strong again.

<11> Don't push me away

or take your Holy Spirit from me.

<12> Your help made me so happy.

Give me that joy again.

Make my spirit strong

and ready to obey you.

<13> I will teach the guilty how you want them to live,

and the sinners will come back to you.

<14> God, spare me from the punishment of death.[281]

My God, you are the one who saves me!

Let me sing about all the good things you do for me!

<15> My Master, I will open my mouth

and sing your praises!

<16> You don't really want sacrifices,[282]

or else I would give them to you.

<17> The sacrifice that God wants is a humble spirit.

God, you will not turn away

someone who comes with a humble heart

and is willing to obey you.[283]

<18> God, please be good to Zion.[284]

Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

<19> Then you can enjoy the kind of sacrifices you want.[285]

You will receive whole burnt offerings,[286]

and people will again offer bulls on your altar.