Psalms 19

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

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.

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

Day after day they pour out speech, and night after night they display knowledge.

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

There is no speech nor language where their voice is 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 voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,

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

which is as a bridegroom coming out of his room, like a strong man rejoicing to run his course.

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 the heavens, his circuit to its ends. There is nothing hidden from its heat.

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

The LORD’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple.

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

The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, 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 clean, enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.

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

They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.

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

Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward.

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

Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors.

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

Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.

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

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, LORD, my rock, and my redeemer.