Psalm 73:13

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

Though {I say}, 'I will forget my complaint; I will change my expression, and I will rejoice,'

Who [is] Shaddai that we should serve him, or what would we benefit when we plead with him?'

Indeed, he says, 'A man does not profit when he takes delight in God.'

If you ask what it profits you: 'How do I benefit {by refraining from my sin}?'

You have said, '[It is] useless to serve God! What [is the] gain if we keep his requirements, and if we walk as mourners {before} Yahweh of hosts?

He who is innocent of hands and pure of heart, who does not lift up his soul to falseness, and does not swear deceitfully.

I will wash my hands in innocence, and I will walk about your altar, O Yahweh,

Create a clean heart for me, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit {within me}.

Therefore, brothers, [since we] have confidence for the entrance into the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus,

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [you] sinners, and purify [your] hearts, [you] double-minded!

[If] I shall be [declared] guilty, why then should I labor in vain?

And he goes on the road in company with instigators of mischief, and walks with men of wickedness.

When my troubled thoughts were many {within me}, your consolations cheered my soul.

But if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching [is] in vain, and your faith [is] in vain.