Psalm 50

The LORD, the Mighty One, is God alone.

He speaks and summons all the earth abroad

From rising of the sun to where it sets.

From Zion’s perfect beauty shines our God.

Our God will not be silent—he will come;

Before him fire will burn and tempest rage.

He summons all the earth and heaven above,

That he may judge his folk, his heritage.

“Now bring to me my consecrated ones,

Those who by sacrifice are pledged to me.”

The heavens will proclaim his righteousness,

For God himself is judge and none but he.

“Hear, O my people, listen while I speak;

Against you, Isr’el, I will testify:

You are my people; I am God, your God.

Hear me as I address you from on high.

“I will not blame you for your offerings,

The sacrifices which you give to me.

I have no need of cattle from your stalls,

Or of the goats you bring me constantly.

“Mine are the cattle on a thousand hills,

The forest animals are all my own.

The creatures of the field belong to me;

To me the mountain birds are all well known.

“I would not tell you if I needed food,

Because the world and all its wealth are mine.

Do I require to drink the blood of goats?

On flesh of bulls do I delight to dine?

“But sacrifice thank-offerings to God;

Fulfil the vows you made to the Most High.

Call on me in the day when trouble comes;

I’ll save you, and my name you’ll glorify.”

But of the wicked God will then demand:

“What right have you to speak about my laws

Or take my covènant upon your lips?

You hate my word and spurn it without cause.

“You see a thief and then you join with him,

And with adulterers you love to meet.

You use your mouth for evil purposes;

Your tongue you harness to promote deceit.

“You speak against your brother constantly,

Perversely slandering your mother’s son;

You thought that I was just the same as you,

Since I kept silent at the things you’ve done.

“But now I will accuse you to your face,

I will admonish you, as is your due.

Consider this, you that forget the Lord,

Lest I destroy and none can rescue you.

“The one who brings thank-offerings to me—

He gives me honour and prepares the way

So that I may reveal myself to him

And the salvation of his God display.”