And to him who orders his way aright, I shall show the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23b Doing what God desires not only flows from the spring of a loving heart, but it also enables the believer to enjoy God’s presence, provision, and protection. Lifeway, Explore the Bible, Summer 2007
(Psalm of David) Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1 Confession is an act of honesty and courage - an act of entrusting ourselves to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God. Pope John Paul II
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:2
Repentance must be something more than mere remorse for sins; it comprehends a change of nature befitting heaven. Lew Wallace, 1827–1905, wrote Ben-Hur
For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me. Psalm 51:3 Grant that I may know how to obtain relief from a guilty conscience without feeling reconciled to my imperfections. The Valley of Vision, Puritan Prayers and Devotions, 1600/1700s
Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge. Psalm 51:4 All sin is sin against God. All wrong done to our neighbor is wrong done to our God. J J Stewart Perowne, 1823-1904, English Anglican bishop, Hebrew scholar