Psalm 19

1  THE HEAVENS declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork. 2  Day after day pours forth speech, and night after night shows forth knowledge.3  There is no speech nor spoken word [from the stars]; their voice is not heard.4  Yet their voice [in evidence] goes out through all the earth, their sayings to the end of the world. Of the heavens has God made a tent for the sun, 5  Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; and it rejoices as a strong man to run his course.6  Its going forth is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the ends of it; and nothing [yes, no one] is hidden from the heat of it.7  The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.8  The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes.9  The [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.10  More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb.11  Moreover, by them is Your servant warned (reminded, illuminated, and instructed); and in keeping them there is great reward.12  Who can discern his lapses and errors? Clear me from hidden [and unconscious] faults.13  Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then shall I be blameless, and I shall be innocent and clear of great transgression.14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19

For the music director; a psalm of David.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the sky displays his handiwork.

2 Day after day it speaks out;
night after night it reveals his greatness.

3 There is no actual speech or word,
nor is its voice literally heard.

4 Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth;
its words carry to the distant horizon.
In the sky he has pitched a tent for the sun.

5 Like a bridegroom it emerges from its chamber;
like a strong man it enjoys running its course.

6 It emerges from the distant horizon,
and goes from one end of the sky to the other;
nothing can escape its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect
and preserves one’s life.
The rules set down by the Lord are reliable
and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.

8 The Lord’s precepts are fair
and make one joyful.
The Lord’s commands are pure
and give insight for life.

9 The commands to fear the Lord are right
and endure forever.
The judgments given by the Lord are trustworthy
and absolutely just.

10 They are of greater value than gold,
than even a great amount of pure gold;
they bring greater delight than honey,
than even the sweetest honey from a honeycomb.

11 Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there;
those who obey them receive a rich reward.

12 Who can know all his errors?
Please do not punish me for sins I am unaware of.

13 Moreover, keep me from committing flagrant sins;
do not allow such sins to control me.
Then I will be blameless,
and innocent of blatant rebellion.

14 May my words and my thoughts
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my sheltering rock and my redeemer.