Psalms 19

1 Unto the end. A Psalm of David. The heavens describe the glory of God, and the firmament announces the work of his hands.

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

2 Day proclaims the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge.

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

3 There are no speeches or conversations, where their voices are not being heard.

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

4 Their sound has gone forth through all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

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,

5 He has placed his tabernacle in the sun, and he is like a bridegroom coming out of his bedroom. He has exulted like a giant running along the way;

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

6 his departure is from the summit of heaven. And his course reaches all the way to its summit. Neither is there anyone who can hide himself from his heat.

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

7 The law of the Lord is immaculate, converting souls. The testimony of the Lord is faithful, providing wisdom to little ones.

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

8 The justice of the Lord is right, rejoicing hearts. The precepts of the Lord are brilliant, enlightening the eyes.

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

9 The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for all generations. The judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves:

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

10 desirable beyond gold and many precious stones, and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

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

11 For, indeed, your servant keeps them, and in keeping them, there are many rewards.

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

12 Who can understand transgression? From my hidden faults, cleanse me, O Lord,

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

13 and from those of others, spare your servant. If they will have no dominion over me, then I will be immaculate, and I will be cleansed from the greatest transgression.

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

14 And the eloquence of my mouth will be so as to please, along with the meditation of my heart, in your sight, forever, O Lord, my helper and my redeemer.

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