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 music director. A psalm of David. The heavens declare God's glory; the skies above announce what he has made.
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].
Each day speaks constantly about God's glory to the next day; each night shares knowledge of God with the next night.
3 They do not really speak; they do not say any words. There is no voice [from them] for anyone to hear.
They speak without speech or words; their voice is not audible;
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];
Yet what they say is heard all over the earth; their message goes to the whole world. God has made a home in the heavens 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.
It's like a bridegroom coming out of his room, like a fit athlete happy to run a race.
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.
It rises on one side of the heavens and travels across to the other. Nothing is hidden from its heat.
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 Lord's law is beneficial, renewing spiritual life. The Lord's teaching is trustworthy, making inexperienced people wise.
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 Lord's instructions are right, making people glad. The Lord's commandments are sincere, helping people see what is good.
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.
Reverence for the Lord is right, and lasts forever. The Lord's judgments are both true and fair.
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.
They are more to be valued than gold, even the finest gold; they are sweeter than honey, even the purest honey coming straight from 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.
They also warn your servant. By keeping them I'm richly rewarded.
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's aware of their own mistakes? Don't punish me for these faults I'm unaware of.
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.
Don't let your servant commit deliberate sins. Don't let them rule over me. Then I will be without fault, innocent of such rebellion.
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.
May you be pleased with the words I speak, and the thoughts I think, Lord my rock and my redeemer.
