1. My people, hear my teaching;listen to the words of my mouth.
2. I will open my mouth with a parable;I will utter hidden things, things from of old –
3. things we have heard and known,things our ancestors have told us.
4. We will not hide them from their descendants;we will tell the next generationthe praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,his power, and the wonders he has done.
5. He decreed statutes for Jacoband established the law in Israel,which he commanded our ancestorsto teach their children,
6. so that the next generation would know them,even the children yet to be born,and they in turn would tell their children.
7. Then they would put their trust in Godand would not forget his deedsbut would keep his commands.
8. They would not be like their ancestors –a stubborn and rebellious generation,whose hearts were not loyal to God,whose spirits were not faithful to him.