Psalm 19

The Law of the Lord Is Perfect

1. To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, 1 and the sky above[a] proclaims his handiwork.

2. Day to day pours out speech, 2 and night to night reveals knowledge.

3. There is no speech, nor are there words, 3 whose voice is not heard.

4. Their voice[b] goes out through all the earth, 4 and their words to the end of the world. 4 In them he has set a tent for the sun,

5. which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, 5 and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.

6. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, 6 and its circuit to the end of them, 6 and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7. The law of the Lord is perfect,[c] 7 reviving the soul; 7 the testimony of the Lord is sure, 7 making wise the simple;

8. the precepts of the Lord are right, 8 rejoicing the heart; 8 the commandment of the Lord is pure, 8 enlightening the eyes;

9. the fear of the Lord is clean, 9 enduring forever; 9 the rules[d] of the Lord are true, 9 and righteous altogether.

10. More to be desired are they than gold, 10 even much fine gold; 10 sweeter also than honey 10 and drippings of the honeycomb.

11. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; 11 in keeping them there is great reward.

12. Who can discern his errors? 12 Declare me innocent from hidden faults.

13. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; 13 let them not have dominion over me! 13 Then I shall be blameless, 13 and innocent of great transgression.

14. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart 14 be acceptable in your sight, 14 O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 19:1: Hebrew the expanse; compare Genesis 1:6–8
b. Psalm 19:4: Or Their measuring line
c. Psalm 19:7: Or blameless
d. Psalm 19:9: Or just decrees