Psalm 19

God’s Works and Word

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies announce what his hands have made.

2 Day after day they tell the story; night after night they tell it again.

3 They have no speech or words; they have no voice to be heard.

4 But their message goes out through all the world; their words go everywhere on earth.
The sky is like a home for the sun.

5 The sun comes out like a bridegroom from his bedroom. It rejoices like an athlete eager to run a race.

6 The sun rises at one end of the sky and follows its path to the other end. Nothing hides from its heat.

7 The teachings of the Lord are perfect; they give new strength.
The rules of the Lord can be trusted; they make plain people wise.

8 The orders of the Lord are right; they make people happy.
The commands of the Lord are pure; they light up the way.

9 Respect for the Lord is good; it will last forever.
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are completely right.

10 They are worth more than gold, even the purest gold.
They are sweeter than honey, even the finest honey.

11 By them your servant is warned. Keeping them brings great reward.

12 People cannot see their own mistakes. Forgive me for my secret sins.

13 Keep me from the sins of pride; don’t let them rule me.
Then I can be pure and innocent of the greatest of sins.
14 I hope my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock, the one who saves me.

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.