Psalms 19

1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handywork.

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 showeth knowledge.

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

3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

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

4 Their line hath 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,

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

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

6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit to its ends: and there is nothing hid 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 perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

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

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, 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 clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

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

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also 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 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

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

12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

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

13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

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

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

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