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 leader. A psalm of David. The heavens declare God’s glory, the sky tells what his hands have done.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

From one end of the heavens it rises, and round it runs to the other, and nothing hides from its 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 perfect, renewing life. The decrees of the Lord are trusty, making the simple wise.

8 The ordinances of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is bright, 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 pure, enduring for ever and ever: the judgments of the Lord are true, [and] justified altogether.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 from wilful sins – from falling under their sway: then blameless and clear will I be from great offence.

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.

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