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.

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.

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

Day after day it sends out its word, and night after night it gives knowledge.

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

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

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

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,

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.

Who is like a newly married man coming from his bride-tent, and is glad like a strong runner starting on his way.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

The orders of the Lord are right, making glad the heart: the rule of the Lord is holy, giving light to the eyes.

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

The fear of the Lord is clean, and has no end; the decisions of the Lord are true and full of righteousness.

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

More to be desired are they than gold, even than much shining gold; sweeter than the dropping honey.

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

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

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

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

13 And spare your 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.

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.

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

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