Psalms 19

1 Unto the end. A psalm for David. The heavens shew forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth 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 to day uttereth speech, and night to night sheweth knowledge.

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

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

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

4 Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto 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 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:

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

6 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.

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 unspotted, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving 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 justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, 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 ever and ever: 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 More to be desired than 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 thy servant keepeth them, and in keeping them there is a great reward.

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

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

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

13 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.

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

14 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.

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