Psalms 19

1 [When people look at everything that] God [has placed in] the skies, they can see that he is very great; they can see the great things that he has created.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork.

2 Day after day [it is as though the sun] proclaims [the glory of God], and night after night [it is as though the moon and stars] say that they know [that God made them].

Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge.

3 They do not really speak; they do not say any words. There is no voice [from them] for anyone to hear.

There is no speech nor language; Their voice is not heard.

4 But what they declare [about God] goes throughout the world, and [even people who live in] the most distant/remote places on earth can know it. The sun is in the skies where God placed it [MET];

Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

5 it rises each morning like a bridegroom [who is happy] as he comes out of his bedroom after his wedding. It is like a strong athlete who is very eager to start running in a race.

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoiceth as a strong man to run his course.

6 The sun rises at one side of the sky and goes across [the sky and sets on] the other side, and nothing can hide from its heat.

His going forth is from the end of the heavens, And his circuit unto the ends of it; And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

7 The instructions that Yahweh has given us are perfect; they (revive us/give us new strength). We can be sure that the things that Yahweh has told us will never change, and [by learning them] people who have not been previously taught/instructed will become wise.

The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple.

8 Yahweh’s laws are fair/just; [when we obey them], we become joyful. The commands of Yahweh are clear, and [by reading them] [PRS] we start to understand [how God wants us to behave].

The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 It is good for people to revere Yahweh; that is something that they will do forever. What Yahweh has decided is fair, and it is always right.

The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring for ever: The ordinances of Jehovah are true, [and] righteous altogether.

10 The things that God has decided are more valuable than gold, even the finest/purest gold. They are sweeter than honey that drips from honeycombs.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb.

11 Furthermore, [by reading them] I learn [what things are good to do and what things are evil], and they promise a great reward to [us who] obey them.

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

12 But there is no one who can know all his errors [RHQ]; so Yahweh, forgive me for these things which I do that I do not realize are wrong.

Who can discern [his] errors? Clear thou me from hidden [faults].

13 Keep me from doing things that I know are wrong; do not let my sinful desires control me. If you do that, I will no longer be guilty for committing such sins, and I will not commit the great sin [of rebelling terribly] against you.

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous [sins]; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, And I shall be clear from great transgression.

14 O Yahweh, you are [like] an [overhanging] rock [MET] under which I can be safe; you are the one who protects me. I hope/desire that the things that I say and what I think will [always] please you.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer.