Psalm 50

C.M.

1The Mighty One, true God, the Lord, speaks to the earth around;
He summons all from rising sun to where the sun goes down.

2From Zion, beautiful and pure, God shines in every age.
3Our God comes and won’t silent be—fire, tempest ’round Him rage.

4He summons heav’n above and earth that He might judge with right:
5“Come, gather those who cov’nant made with Me by sacrifice.”

6The heav’ns proclaim His righteousness; He is the judge alone.
And this is what the Lord does speak to those who are His own:Selah

7“Hear, O My people, I will speak, against you testify;
8I am your God; I don’t rebuke your constant sacrifice.

9“But I’ve no need of bulls or goats with which your folds are filled;
10For I own every animal—cows on a thousand hills.

11“I know each bird in mountains high, all creatures of the field.
12I hunger not—the world is Mine, and all that it does yield.

13“Do I eat flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats you bring?
14The sacrifice you make to God must be a thank off’ring.

14/15“Fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call when you have need.
15I will deliver you, and you will honor Me indeed.”

16But to the wicked in His flock the righteous God says this:
“What right have you to tout My laws; take cov’nant on your lips?

17“For you hate My instruction, and you cast My words aside.
18You join with thieves and also with adulterers abide.

19“You use your mouth for evil, and your tongue for vile deceit.
20You speak against your brother, and against him slander speak.

21“These things you’ve done and I kept mute—you thought I was like you!
But I’ll rebuke you to your face; I will your wrong accuse!

22“Consider this, who forget God, or I will bring you down;
To pieces you’ll be torn with none to rescue you around.

23“The one who sacrifices true, with thanks does honor Me;
And he prepares the way so God’s salvation he may see.”