The heavens declare the glory of God, *

and the firmament shows his handiwork.

One day tells its tale to another, *

and one night imparts knowledge to another.

Although they have no words or language, *

and their voices are not heard,

Their sound has gone out into all lands, *

and their message to the ends of the world.

In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *

it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;

it rejoices like a champion to run its course.

It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens

and runs about to the end of it again; *

nothing is hidden from its burning heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; *

the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent.

The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; *

the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; *

the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, *

sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.

By them also is your servant enlightened, *

and in keeping them there is great reward.

Who can tell how often he offends? *

cleanse me from my secret faults.

Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;

let them not get dominion over me; *

then shall I be whole and sound,

and innocent of a great offense.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, *

O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *

then were we like those who dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *

and our tongue with shouts of joy.

Then they said among the nations, *

“The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us, *

and we are glad indeed.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *

like the watercourses of the Negev.

Those who sowed with tears *

will reap with songs of joy.

Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *

will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.