Psalm 51

International Children’s Bible

³ I know about my wrongs.
    I can’t forget my sin.
⁴ You are the one I have sinned against.
    I have done what you say is wrong.
So you are right when you speak.
    You are fair when you judge me.
⁵ I was brought into this world in sin.
    In sin my mother gave birth to me.

⁶ You want me to be completely truthful.
    So teach me wisdom.
⁷ Take away my sin, and I will be clean.
    Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
⁸ Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness.
    Let the bones you crushed be happy again.
⁹ Turn your face from my sins.
    Wipe out all my guilt.

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, God.
    Make my spirit right again.
¹¹ Do not send me away from you.
    Do not take your Holy Spirit away from me.
¹² Give me back the joy that comes when you save me.
    Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit.
¹³ Then I will teach your ways to those who do wrong.
    And sinners will turn back to you.

¹⁴ God, save me from the guilt of murder.
    God, you are the one who saves me.
    I will sing about your goodness.
¹⁵ Lord, let me speak
    so I may praise you.
¹⁶ You are not pleased by sacrifices.
    Otherwise, I would give them.
    You don’t want burnt offerings.
¹⁷ The sacrifice God wants is a willing spirit.
    God, you will not reject
    a heart that is broken and sorry for its sin.

¹⁸ Do whatever good you wish for Jerusalem.
    Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
¹⁹ Then you will be pleased with right sacrifices and whole burnt offerings.
    And bulls will be offered on your altar.