CHAPTER 18

18:1 But what shall we say of David, who obtained a good report; unto whom God said, I have found a man after my own heart, David, the son of Jesse, with my everlasting mercy have I anointed him.

18:2 But he himself saith unto God, Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy great mercy, according to the multitude of thy compassion do away with mine iniquity;

18:3 wash me throughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me.

18:4 Against thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightest be justified in thy words, and overcome when thou art judged.

18:5 Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

18:6 Behold, thou hast loved truth; thou hast shown me the secret and hidden things of thy wisdom.

18:7 Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean. Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

18:8 Thou shalt make me to hear of joy and gladness; the bones that have been humiliated shall rejoice.

18:9 Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all my misdeeds.

18:10 Create in me a new heart, O Lord, and renew a right spirit within me.

18:11 Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.

18:12 O give me again the joy of thy salvation, and establish me with thy guiding Spirit.

18:13 I will teach sinners thy ways; the ungodly shall be converted unto thee.

18:14 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation;

18:15 my tongue shall rejoice in thy righteousness. O Lord, thou shalt open my mouth, and my lips shall show forth thy praise.

18:16 For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would have given it; in whole burnt offerings thou wilt not delight.

18:17 The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart God will not despise.