The Message Bible MSG
English Standard Version ESV
1 God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.
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The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening.
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Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 Their words aren't heard, their voices aren't recorded,
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There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.
4 But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere. God makes a huge dome for the sun - a superdome!
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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,
5 The morning sun's a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed, The daybreaking sun an athlete racing to the tape.
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which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 That's how God's Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset, Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith.
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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.
7 The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
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The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
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the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.
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the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
10 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.
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More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 There's more: God's Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure.
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Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool?
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Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 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.
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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.
14 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.
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Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
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.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025