[1] Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God! How pleasant and right it is to praise him! [2] The LORD builds up Jerusalem. He gathers the scattered people of Israel. [3] He heals those who have broken hearts. He takes care of their wounds. [4] He decides how many stars there should be. He gives each one of them a name. [5] Great is our Lord. His power is mighty. There is no limit to his understanding. [6] The LORD gives strength to those who aren’t proud. But he throws evil people down to the ground. [7] Sing to the LORD and give him grateful praise. Make music to our God on the harp. [8] He covers the sky with clouds. He supplies the earth with rain. He makes grass grow on the hills. [9] He provides food for the cattle. He provides for the young ravens when they cry out. [10] He doesn’t take pleasure in the strength of horses. He doesn’t take delight in the strong legs of warriors. [11] The LORD takes delight in those who have respect for him. They put their hope in his faithful love. [12] Jerusalem, praise the LORD. Zion, praise your God. [13] He makes the metal bars of your gates stronger. He blesses the people who live inside you. [14] He keeps your borders safe and secure. He satisfies you with the finest wheat. [15] He sends his command to the earth. His word arrives there quickly. [16] He spreads the snow like wool. He scatters the frost like ashes. [17] He throws down his hail like pebbles. No one can stand his icy blast. [18] He gives his command, and the ice melts. He stirs up his winds, and the waters flow. [19] He has made his word known to the people of Jacob. He has made his laws and rules known to Israel. [20] He hasn’t done that for any other nation. They don’t know his laws. Praise the LORD.
