- (A psalm by David for the music leader.) The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.
- Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next.
- They don't speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice.
- Yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world. In the heavens a tent is set up for the sun.
- It rises like a bridegroom and gets ready like a hero eager to run a race.
- It travels all the way across the sky. Nothing hides from its heat.
- The Law of the LORD is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people.
- The LORD's instruction is right; it makes our hearts glad. His commands shine brightly, and they give us light.
- Worshiping the LORD is sacred; he will always be worshiped. All of his decisions are correct and fair.
- They are worth more than the finest gold and are sweeter than honey from a honeycomb.
- By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded.
- None of us know our faults. Forgive me when I sin without knowing it.
- Don't let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault.
- Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.
What is communicated by the revelation of God's creation? It declares God's glory and proclaims "the work of His hands." (19:1) Throughout creation we are told that God exists, that He is glorious and He is capable of amazing things. For the thoughtful person this is enough to be drawn to God with a desire to worship Him and learn from Him. In Romans chapter 1, the apostle Paul says that through God's creation His eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen. This communication of God is clear enough, Paul says, that people have no excuse for failing to accept these truths. He went on to say that though people know God they do not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. This is not an informed choice but rather an intention choice. A choice such people claim to be wise but is, instead, foolish. Such people become fools, Paul says, and their thinking becomes nonsense and senseless.
What, then, is communicated by the revelation of God's word? It gives instruction that will make one wise. This instruction is perfect and it is trustworthy. To those who receive the Lord's instruction, they are of greater value than pure gold and are sweeter than honey. In other words, there is nothing of greater value to us than God's instruction, nor are they distasteful to who seek them. This is not to say that some people find them to be distasteful. But this is only because they do not want to accept God's instruction. They have decided they have a better idea. They are convinced God's instructions are aimed at making their lives miserable. Such thinking is an example of the senseless thinking of those who have chosen not to accept the revelation of God's creation.
David jumps from referring to the great reward of keeping God's instructions in verse 11 to speaking of hidden and willful sins in verse 12 and following. His message to us is that failing to follow God's instructions is not only foolish but is sinful. David's prayer was that God would cleanse him from those sins that were hidden from him and therefore unintentional as well as helping him not to willfully sin, allowing sin to rule him. Instead, he prayed, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." (19:14)
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