Psalm 19

Psalm 19

For the choir director; a psalm by David. 

¹The heavens declare the glory of God, 

and the sky displays what his hands have made. 

²One day tells a story to the next. 

One night shares knowledge with the next 

³without talking, 

without words, 

without their voices being heard. 

⁴⸤Yet,⸥ their sound has gone out into the entire world, 

their message to the ends of the earth. 

He has set up a tent in the heavens for the sun, 

⁵which comes out of its chamber like a bridegroom. 

Like a champion, it is eager to run its course. 

⁶It rises from one end of the heavens. 

It circles around to the other. 

Nothing is hidden from its heat. 

⁷The teachings of the Lord are perfect. 

They renew the soul. 

The testimony of the Lord is dependable. 

It makes gullible people wise. 

⁸The instructions of the Lord are correct. 

They make the heart rejoice. 

The command of the Lord is radiant. 

It makes the eyes shine. 

⁹The fear of the Lord is pure. 

It endures forever. 

The decisions of the Lord are true. 

They are completely fair. 

¹⁰They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. 

They are sweeter than honey, even the drippings from a honeycomb. 

¹¹As your servant I am warned by them. 

There is a great reward in following them. 

¹²Who can notice every mistake? 

Forgive my hidden faults. 

¹³Keep me from sinning. 

Do not let anyone gain control over me. 

Then I will be blameless, 

and I will be free from any great offense. 

¹⁴May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart 

be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my defender.