Rules and Freedom

¹ Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is proclaiming his handiwork. ² One day gushes the news to the next, and one night informs another what needs to be known. ³ Of course, there’s no speech, no words their voices can’t be heard ⁴ but their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth. God has made a tent in heaven for the sun. ⁵ The sun is like a groom coming out of his honeymoon suite; like a warrior, it thrills at running its course. ⁶ It rises in one end of the sky; its circuit is complete at the other. Nothing escapes its heat. ⁷ The LORD’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. The LORD’s laws are faithful, making naive people wise. ⁸ The LORD’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The LORD’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes. ⁹ Honoring the LORD is correct, lasting forever. The LORD’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous! ¹⁰ They are more desirable than gold than tons of pure gold! They are sweeter than honey even dripping off the honeycomb! ¹¹ No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them; there is great reward in keeping them. ¹² But can anyone know what they’ve accidentally done wrong? Clear me of any unknown sin ¹³ and save your servant from willful sins. Don’t let them rule me. Then I’ll be completely blameless; I’ll be innocent of great wrongdoing. ¹⁴ Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer.