1[A psalm by Asaph.] The LORD, the only true God, has spoken. He has summoned the earth from where the sun rises to where it sets.

2God shines from Zion, the perfection of beauty.

3Our God will come and will not remain silent. A devouring fire is in front of him and a raging storm around him.

4He summons heaven and earth to judge his people:

5"Gather around me, my godly people who have made a pledge to me through sacrifices."

6The 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!

8I 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.

10Every creature in the forest, [even] the cattle on a thousand hills, is mine.

11I know every bird in the mountains. Everything that moves in the fields is mine.

12If I were hungry, I would not tell you, because the world and all that it contains are mine.

13Do I eat the meat of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

14Bring [your] thanks to God as a sacrifice, and keep your vows to the Most High.

15Call on me in times of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me."

16But God says to wicked people, "How dare you quote my decrees and mouth my promises!

17You hate discipline. You toss my words behind you.

18When you see a thief, you want to make friends with him. You keep company with people who commit adultery.

19You let your mouth say anything evil. Your tongue plans deceit.

20You sit and talk against your own brother. You slander your own mother's son.

21When 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.

22Consider this, you people who forget God. Otherwise, I will tear you to pieces, and there will be no one left to rescue you.

23Whoever offers thanks as a sacrifice honors me. I will let everyone who continues in my way see the salvation that comes from God."