Psalms 50

A psalm of Asaph.

1The Mighty One, God, Yahweh, has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

2From Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.

3Our God comes and does not keep silent; before him fire devours, and around him it storms fiercely.

4He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:

5Gather to me my faithful ones, those who make my covenant by sacrifice.

6And the heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah

7Hear, my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you: I am God, your God.

8I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices; your burnt offerings are continually before me.

9I will not take a bull from your house or male goats from your pens.

10For every wild animal of the forest is mine, as are the livestock on a thousand hills.

11I know every bird of the mountains, and the creatures of the field are with me.

12If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.

13Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

14Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.

15And call on me in the day of distress; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.

16But to the wicked God says, “What right do you have to recount my statutes and to take up my covenant on your lips?”

17For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.

18If you saw a thief, you were pleased with him, and your portion was with adulterers.

19You let your mouth loose for evil, and you fasten deceit to your tongue.

20You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son.

21You did these things, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you. I will rebuke you and lay it out before your eyes.

22Please understand this, you who forget God, or I will tear you apart, with no one to rescue you.

23Whoever offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me, and to the one who orders his way I will show the salvation of God.