Definition: The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Psalm 51:17. It’s a really powerful statement about God's love and how we can relate to Him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about God’s perspective on our feelings when we are truly sorry for our wrongdoings. It suggests that God doesn’t hate us because we’ve made mistakes, but rather he wants to help us heal and turn away from wrongdoing. Let's break it down word by word: “The sacrifices of God” : This refers to the offering of repentance – a sincere apology and turning back from sin. It’s about acknowledging our wrongdoings. “[are] a broken spirit…” : This is the key part. It means our spirits are damaged or troubled, often by guilt, shame, or regret. “a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” This is where the real meaning shines through: “A broken spirit” : Your heart is hurting, feeling ashamed and unworthy. It's not just a little discomfort; it’s a deep wound. “a contrite heart” : This means you are deeply remorseful – truly sorry for what you’ve done. You aren’t just saying “sorry,” you’re feeling sorry. “O God, thou wilt not despise” : This is the crucial part. It's a plea to God. It means that even though we are deeply wrong, God doesn’t want to punish us with hatred or anger. He wants to forgive us and help us learn from our mistakes. Overall Meaning: The verse essentially says: “When we confess our sins and truly feel remorse, it’s a sign of love from God that he doesn't curse us.” It’s about expressing humility and acknowledging wrongdoing, and trusting that God will ultimately forgive us. Why is this important? This is a powerful message of hope because it emphasizes God’s love and mercy. It reminds us that even when we mess up badly, He wants to be involved in our healing process. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Psalm 51? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of the larger Bible story?