Psalms 19

1 For the end, a Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.

For the music director. A psalm of David. The heavens declare God's glory; the skies above announce what he has made.

2 Day to day utters speech, and night to night proclaims knowledge.

Each day speaks constantly about God's glory to the next day; each night shares knowledge of God with the next night.

3 There are no speeches or words, in which their voices are not heard.

They speak without speech or words; their voice is not audible;

4 Their voice is gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

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 In the sun he has set his tabernacle; and he comes forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber: he will exult as a giant to run his course.

It's like a bridegroom coming out of his room, like a fit athlete happy to run a race.

6 His going forth is from the extremity of heaven, and his circuit to the [other] end of heaven: and no one shall be hidden from his heat.

It rises on one side of the heavens and travels across to the other. Nothing is hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, instructing babes.

The Lord's law is beneficial, renewing spiritual life. The Lord's teaching is trustworthy, making inexperienced people wise.

8 The ordinances of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is bright, enlightening the eyes.

The Lord's instructions are right, making people glad. The Lord's commandments are sincere, helping people see what is good.

9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring for ever and ever: the judgments of the Lord are true, [and] justified altogether.

Reverence for the Lord is right, and lasts forever. The Lord's judgments are both true and fair.

10 To be desired more than gold, and much precious stone: sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb.

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 For thy servant keeps to them: in the keeping of them [there is] great reward.

They also warn your servant. By keeping them I'm richly rewarded.

12 Who will understand [his] transgressions? purge thou me from my secret [sins].

Who's aware of their own mistakes? Don't punish me for these faults I'm unaware of.

13 And spare thy servant [the attack] of strangers: if they do not gain the dominion over me, then shall I be blameless, and I shall be clear from great sin.

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 So shall the sayings of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be pleasing continually before thee, O Lord my helper, and my redeemer.

May you be pleased with the words I speak, and the thoughts I think, Lord my rock and my redeemer.