Psalms 19

1 To the chief music-maker. A Psalm. Of David. The heavens are sounding the glory of God; the arch of the sky makes clear 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 after day it sends out its word, and night after night it gives knowledge.

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

3 There are no words or language; their voice makes no sound.

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

4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them has he put a tent 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 Who is like a newly married man coming from his bride-tent, and is glad like a strong runner starting on his 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 the heaven, and his circle to the ends of it; there is nothing which is not open to 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 good, giving new life to the soul: the witness of the Lord is certain, giving wisdom to the foolish.

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

8 The orders of the Lord are right, making glad the heart: the rule of the Lord is holy, giving light to 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, and has no end; the decisions of the Lord are true and full of righteousness.

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, even than much shining gold; sweeter than the dropping honey.

More precious are they than gold – than fine gold in plenty, and sweeter they are than honey, that drops from the comb.

11 By them is your servant made conscious of danger, and in keeping them there is great reward.

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

12 Who has full knowledge of his errors? make me clean from secret evil.

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

13 Keep your servant back from sins of pride; let them not have rule over me: then will I be upright and free from great sin.

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 thoughts of my heart be pleasing in your eyes, O Lord, my strength and my salvation.

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