Psalms
Summary
Psalm 19 is a beautiful meditation on the two primary ways God reveals Himself: through the "Book of Nature" and the "Book of the Law." The first half celebrates the heavens that "declare the glory of God," where day and night pour forth speech without words. The second half praises the "perfect law of the LORD" that refreshes the soul and makes wise the simple, stating it is more to be desired than gold and sweeter than honey. The psalm concludes with David's humble prayer for cleansing from "secret faults" and that his words and thoughts would be acceptable to God, his Strength and Redeemer.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring for ever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from presumptuous sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.