Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

Humble under a sense of sin; has true repentance for it; and is smitten, wounded, and broken with it. By the word of God in the hand of the Spirit, which is a hammer to break the rock in pieces. And that not merely in a legal, but in an evangelical way. Grieving for sin as committed against a God of love. Broken and melted down under a sense of it, in a view of pardoning grace. And mourning for it, while beholding a pierced and wounded Savior. The sacrifices of such a broken heart and contrite spirit are the sacrifices God desires, approves of, accepts of, and delights in.

"A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise": But regard, and receive with pleasure (see Psalm 102:17). The Lord binds up and heals such broken hearts and spirits (Psalm 147:3). He is nigh to such persons, looks upon them, has respect unto them, and comes and dwells among them (Psalm 34:18).

We see not only David in this, but everyone who has ever sinned and been truly sorry for their sin. Speaking of the broken spirit, is speaking of someone who realizes the terrible sin he has committed and knows there should not be forgiveness for such a terrible sin as this. A sin sick heart is the broken and contrite heart. True repentance begins in the spirit and heart of the sinner. The guilt from un-confessed sin can absolutely destroy you. You feel as if your heart will break in two. This is the only thing that will get forgiveness from God for sins as terrible as this. True repentance comes along with the broken heart.