Definition: Verily I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 73:13. It’s a really beautiful and insightful statement about our own relationship with God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, the verse says: “I’ve tried to be clean and pure, but I haven’t actually done anything that truly demonstrates my goodness or righteousness.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Verily” : This word adds emphasis – it's like saying "Truly" or "Actually." “I have cleansed my heart [in] vain” : This means the speaker tried to be clean, but they didn't succeed. They weren’t actually making a genuine effort to be perfect. Think of it like trying to scrub a dirty plate – you might do some work, but it doesn’t mean the plate is spotless. “and washed my hands in innocence” : This is the crucial part! "Innocence" means a state of being free from wrongdoing or fault. So, the speaker tried to be innocent, but they weren't. They were flawed and imperfect. So, the whole verse is saying: “I’ve been trying to do good and be righteous, but I haven’t actually done anything that shows my true goodness.” It’s a recognition of our human fallibility – we all make mistakes and aren't always perfect. What does this mean for us? It’s a reminder that: We are all imperfect: We all have flaws and shortcomings. Genuine righteousness comes from within: It isn't about how good we appear to be, but about our true character – our desire to do what is right and beautiful. It’s okay to struggle with sin: The verse acknowledges that we are prone to making mistakes, which is a good thing because it encourages us to seek forgiveness and repentance. In short, it's a humble acknowledgment of our own imperfection and a plea for God's grace. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail?