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Psalm 19

God’s Glory in Creation and the Law

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

1

The heavens are telling the glory of God;

and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

2

Day to day pours forth speech,

and night to night declares knowledge.

3

There is no speech, nor are there words;

their voice is not heard;

4

yet their voice goes out through all the earth,

and their words to the end of the world.

 

In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,

5

which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,

and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

6

Its rising is from the end of the heavens,

and its circuit to the end of them;

and nothing is hid from its heat.

 

7

The law of the L ord is perfect,

reviving the soul;

the decrees of the L ord are sure,

making wise the simple;

8

the precepts of the L ord are right,

rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the L ord is clear,

enlightening the eyes;

9

the fear of the L ord is pure,

enduring forever;

the ordinances of the L ord are true

and righteous altogether.

10

More to be desired are they than gold,

even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey,

and drippings of the honeycomb.

 

11

Moreover by them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

12

But who can detect their errors?

Clear me from hidden faults.

13

Keep back your servant also from the insolent;

do not let them have dominion over me.

Then I shall be blameless,

and innocent of great transgression.

 

14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable to you,

O L ord, my rock and my redeemer.


14. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart. David asks still more expressly to be fortified by the grace of God, and thus enabled to live an upright and holy life. The substance of the verse is this: I beseech thee, O God, not only to keep me from breaking forth into the external acts of transgression, but also to frame my tongue and my heart to the obedience of thy law. We know how difficult it is, even for the most perfect, so to bridle their words and thoughts, as that nothing may pass through their heart or mouth which is contrary to the will of God; and yet this inward purity is what the law chiefly requires of us. Now, the rarer this virtue — the rarer this strict control of the heart and of the tongue is, let us learn so much the more the necessity of our being governed by the Holy Spirit, in order to regulate our life uprightly and honestly. By the word acceptable, the Psalmist shows that the only rule of living well is for men to endeavor to please God, and to be approved of him. The concluding words, in which he calls God his strength and his redeemer, he employs to confirm himself in the assured confidence of obtaining his requests.


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