Psalms 19

1 For the leader. A psalm of David. The heavens declare God’s glory, the sky tells what his hands have done.

Unto the end. A psalm for David. The heavens shew forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.

2 Day tells it to day, night reveals it to night,

Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night sheweth knowledge.

3 without speaking, without words; without the sound of voices.

There are no speeches nor languages, where their voices are not heard.

4 But through all the world their voice carries their words to the ends of the earth. He has pitched a tent for the sun in the sky,

Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto the ends of the world.

5 it comes out like a bridegroom from his bridal chamber, it joyfully runs its course like a hero.

He hath set his tabernacle in the sun: and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his bride chamber, Hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way:

6 From one end of the heavens it rises, and round it runs to the other, and nothing hides from its heat.

His going out is from the end of heaven, And his circuit even to the end thereof: and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, renewing life. The decrees of the Lord are trusty, making the simple wise.

The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.

8 The behests of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the Lord is pure, giving light to the eyes.

The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is clean, it endures forever. The Lord’s judgments are true and right altogether.

The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever: the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.

10 More precious are they than gold – than fine gold in plenty, and sweeter they are than honey, that drops from the comb.

More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

11 By them is your servant warned; who keeps them has rich reward.

For thy servant keepeth them, and in keeping them there is a great reward.

12 Who can know their flaws? Absolve me from those I know not.

Who can understand sins? from my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord:

13 Keep your servant from wilful sins – from falling under their sway: then blameless and clear will I be from great offence.

And from those of others spare thy servant. If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin.

14 May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my rock and redeemer.

And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight. O Lord, my helper, and my redeemer.