Psalms 19

Psalm 19#sn Psalm 19. The psalmist praises God for his self-revelation in the heavens and in the Mosaic law. The psalmist concludes with a prayer, asking the Lord to keep him from sinning and to approve of his thoughts and words.

For the music director; a psalm of David.

1The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays his handiwork.

2Day after day it speaks out; night after night it reveals his greatness.

3There is no actual speech or word, nor is its voice literally heard.

4Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth; its words carry to the distant horizon. In the sky he has pitched a tent for the sun.

5Like a bridegroom it emerges from its chamber; like a strong man it enjoys running its course.

6It emerges from the distant horizon, and goes from one end of the sky to the other; nothing can escape its heat.

7The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life. The rules set down by the Lord are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.

8The Lord’s precepts are fair and make one joyful. The Lord’s commands are pure and give insight for life.

9The commands to fear the Lord are right and endure forever. The judgments given by the Lord are trustworthy and absolutely just.

10They are of greater value than gold, than even a great amount of pure gold; they bring greater delight than honey, than even the sweetest honey from a honeycomb.

11Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there; those who obey them receive a rich reward.

12Who can know all his errors? Please do not punish me for sins I am unaware of.

13Moreover, keep me from committing flagrant sins; do not allow such sins to control me. Then I will be blameless, and innocent of blatant rebellion.

14May my words and my thoughts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my sheltering rock and my redeemer.