[1] The LORD, the only true God, has spoken. He has summoned the earth from where the sun rises to where it sets. [2] God shines from Zion, the perfection of beauty. [3] Our God will come and will not remain silent. A devouring fire is in front of him and a raging storm around him. [4] He summons heaven and earth to judge his people: [5] "Gather around me, my godly people who have made a pledge to me through sacrifices." [6] The heavens announce his righteousness because God is the judge. Selah [7] "Listen, my people, and I will speak. Listen, Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God! [8] I am not criticizing you for your sacrifices or burnt offerings, which are always in front of me. [9] But I will not accept another young bull from your household or a single male goat from your pens. [10] Every creature in the forest, even the cattle on a thousand hills, is mine. [11] I know every bird in the mountains. Everything that moves in the fields is mine. [12] If I were hungry, I would not tell you, because the world and all that it contains are mine. [13] Do I eat the meat of bulls or drink the blood of goats? [14] Bring your thanks to God as a sacrifice, and keep your vows to the Most High. [15] Call on me in times of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me." [16] But God says to wicked people, "How dare you quote my decrees and mouth my promises! [17] You hate discipline. You toss my words behind you. [18] When you see a thief, you want to make friends with him. You keep company with people who commit adultery. [19] You let your mouth say anything evil. Your tongue plans deceit. [20] You sit and talk against your own brother. You slander your own mother's son. [21] When you did these things, I remained silent. That made you think I was like you. I will argue my point with you and lay it all out for you to see. [22] Consider this, you people who forget God. Otherwise, I will tear you to pieces, and there will be no one left to rescue you. [23] Whoever offers thanks as a sacrifice honors me. I will let everyone who continues in my way see the salvation that comes from God."
