Psalm 19

Psalm 19

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.2 Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.3 They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.t4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.7 The instructions of the LORD are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.8 The commandments of the LORD are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are clear,
giving insight for living.9 Reverence for the LORD is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the LORD are true;
each one is fair.10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.11 They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my 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.