Psalms 19
1 [When people look at everything that] God [has placed in] the skies, they can see that he is very great; they can see the great things that he has created.
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.
2 Day after day [it is as though the sun] proclaims [the glory of God], and night after night [it is as though the moon and stars] say that they know [that God made them].
Day after day they pour out speech, and night after night they display knowledge.
3 They do not really speak; they do not say any words. There is no voice [from them] for anyone to hear.
There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.
4 But what they declare [about God] goes throughout the world, and [even people who live in] the most distant/remote places on earth can know it. The sun is in the skies where God placed it [MET];
Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 it rises each morning like a bridegroom [who is happy] as he comes out of his bedroom after his wedding. It is like a strong athlete who is very eager to start running in a race.
which is as a bridegroom coming out of his room, like a strong man rejoicing to run his course.
6 The sun rises at one side of the sky and goes across [the sky and sets on] the other side, and nothing can hide from its heat.
His going out is from the end of the heavens, his circuit to its ends. There is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The instructions that Yahweh has given us are perfect; they (revive us/give us new strength). We can be sure that the things that Yahweh has told us will never change, and [by learning them] people who have not been previously taught/instructed will become wise.
The LORD’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple.
8 Yahweh’s laws are fair/just; [when we obey them], we become joyful. The commands of Yahweh are clear, and [by reading them] [PRS] we start to understand [how God wants us to behave].
The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 It is good for people to revere Yahweh; that is something that they will do forever. What Yahweh has decided is fair, and it is always right.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
10 The things that God has decided are more valuable than gold, even the finest/purest gold. They are sweeter than honey that drips from honeycombs.
They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
11 Furthermore, [by reading them] I learn [what things are good to do and what things are evil], and they promise a great reward to [us who] obey them.
Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward.
12 But there is no one who can know all his errors [RHQ]; so Yahweh, forgive me for these things which I do that I do not realize are wrong.
Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors.
13 Keep me from doing things that I know are wrong; do not let my sinful desires control me. If you do that, I will no longer be guilty for committing such sins, and I will not commit the great sin [of rebelling terribly] against you.
Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.
14 O Yahweh, you are [like] an [overhanging] rock [MET] under which I can be safe; you are the one who protects me. I hope/desire that the things that I say and what I think will [always] please you.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, LORD, my rock, and my redeemer.
