English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
1
God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.
2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
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Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.
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Their words aren't heard, their voices aren't recorded,
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
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But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere. God makes a huge dome for the sun - a superdome!
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
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The morning sun's a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed, The daybreaking sun an athlete racing to the tape.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
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That's how God's Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset, Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
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The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
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The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
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God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
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God's Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You'll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
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There's more: God's Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure.
12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
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Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool?
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
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Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
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These are the words in my mouth; these are what I chew on and pray. Accept them when I place them on the morning altar, O God, my Altar-Rock, God, Priest-of-My-Altar.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.