Psalm 50

1A psalm of Asaph.aGod, the LORD God spokeand summoned the world from east to west.

2From Zion, perfect in beauty,God appeared

3—let our God come and not fail to act!Devouring fire preceded Him;it stormed around Him fiercely.

4He summoned the heavens above,and the earth, for the trial of His people.

5“Bring in My devotees,who made a covenant with Me over sacrifice!”

6Then the heavens proclaimed His righteousness,for He is a God who judges. Selah.

7“Pay heed, My people, and I will speak,O Israel, and I will arraign you.I am God, your God.

8I censure you not for your sacrifices,and your burnt offerings, made to Me daily;

9I claim no bull from your estate,no he-goats from your pens.

10For Mine is every animal of the forest,the beasts on ba thousand mountains.

11I know every bird of the mountains,the creatures of the field are subject to Me.

12Were I hungry, I would not tell you,for Mine is the world and all it holds.

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

14Sacrifice a thank offering to God,and pay your vows to the Most High.

15Call upon Me in time of trouble;I will rescue you, and you shall honor Me.”

16And to the wicked, God said:“Who are you to recite My laws,and mouth the terms of My covenant,

17seeing that you spurn My discipline,and brush My words aside?

18When you see a thief, you fall in with him,and throw in your lot with adulterers;

19you devote your mouth to evil,and yoke your tongue to deceit;

20you are busy maligning your brother,defaming the son of your mother.

21If I failed to act when you did these things,you would fancy that I was like you;so I censure you and confront you with charges.

22Mark this, you who are unmindful of God,lest I tear you apart and no one save you.

23He who sacrifices a thank offering honors Me,band to him who improves his wayI will show the salvation of God.”