1 For the Leader. A Psalm of David; 2 When Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba. 3 Be gracious unto me, O God, according to Thy mercy; according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgressions. 4 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 5 For I know my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me. 6 Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in Thy sight; {N} that Thou mayest be justified when Thou speakest, and be in the right when Thou judgest. 7 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 8 Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts; make me, therefore, to know wisdom in mine inmost heart. 9 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 10 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which Thou hast crushed may rejoice. 11 Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 12 Create me a clean heart, O God; and renew a stedfast spirit within me. 13 Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy holy spirit from me. 14 Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and let a willing spirit uphold me. 15 Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall return unto Thee. 16 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; {N} so shall my tongue sing aloud of Thy righteousness. 17 O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. 18 For Thou delightest not in sacrifice, else would I give it; Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering. 19 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; {N} a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. 20 Do good in Thy favour unto Zion; build Thou the walls of Jerusalem. 21 Then wilt Thou delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, in burnt-offering and whole offering; {N} then will they offer bullocks upon Thine altar. {P}