Psalm 19

God’s Works and Word

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the skies announce what his hands have made.
2 Day after day they tell the story;
    night after night they tell it again.
3 They have no speech or words;
    they have no voice to be heard.
4 But their message goes out through all the world;
    their words go everywhere on earth.
The sky is like a home for the sun.
5 The sun comes out like a bridegroom from his bedroom.
    It rejoices like an athlete eager to run a race.
6 The sun rises at one end of the sky
    and follows its path to the other end.
    Nothing hides from its heat.
7 The teachings of the Lord are perfect;
    they give new strength.
The rules of the Lord can be trusted;
    they make plain people wise.
8 The orders of the Lord are right;
    they make people happy.
The commands of the Lord are pure;
    they light up the way.
9 Respect for the Lord is good;
    it will last forever.
The judgments of the Lord are true;
    they are completely right.
10 They are worth more than gold,
    even the purest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
    even the finest honey.
11 By them your servant is warned.
    Keeping them brings great reward.
12 People cannot see their own mistakes.
    Forgive me for my secret sins.
13 Keep me from the sins of pride;
    don’t let them rule me.
Then I can be pure
    and innocent of the greatest of sins.
14 I hope my words and thoughts please you.
    Lord, you are my Rock, the one who saves me.