4. He calls to the heavens aboveand to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5. “Gather to me my faithful ones,who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6. The heavens declare his righteousness,for God himself is judge! Selah
7. “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.
8. Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9. I will not accept a bull from your houseor goats from your folds.
10. For every beast of the forest is mine,the cattle on a thousand hills.
11. I know all the birds of the hills,and all that moves in the field is mine.
12. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.
13. Do I eat the flesh of bullsor drink the blood of goats?
14. Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,and perform your vows to the Most High,
15. and call upon me in the day of trouble;I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
16. But to the wicked God says:“What right have you to recite my statutesor take my covenant on your lips?
17. For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.
18. If you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you keep company with adulterers.