Psalms – Chapter 138

Old Testament24 Verses

1Unto the end, a psalm of David. Lord, thou hast proved me, and known me:

2Thou hast known my sitting down, and my rising up.

3Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off: my path and my line thou hast searched out.

4And thou hast foreseen all my ways: for there is no speech in my tongue.

5Behold, O Lord, thou hast known all things, the last and those of old: thou hast formed me, and hast laid thy hand upon me.

6Thy knowledge is become wonderful to me: it is high, and I cannot reach to it.

7Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy face?

8If I ascend into heaven, thou art there: if I descend into hell, thou art present.

9If I take my wings early in the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea:

10Even there also shall thy hand lead me: and thy right hand shall hold me.

11And I said: Perhaps darkness shall cover me: and night shall be my light in my pleasures.

12But darkness shall not be dark to thee, and night shall be light all the day: the darkness thereof, and the light thereof are alike to thee.

13For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast protected me from my mother's womb.

14I will praise thee, for thou art fearfully magnified: wonderful are thy works, and my soul knoweth right well.

15My bone is not hidden from thee, which thou hast made in secret: and my substance in the lower parts of the earth.

16Thy eyes did see my imperfect being, and in thy book all shall be written: days shall be formed, and no one in them.

17But to me thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honourable: their principality is exceedingly strengthened.

18I will number them, and they shall be multiplied above the sand, I rose up and am still with thee.

19If thou wilt kill the wicked, O God: ye men of blood, depart from me:

20Because you say in thought: They shall receive thy cities in vain.

21Have I not hated them, O Lord, that hated thee: and pined away because of thy enemies?

22I have hated them with a perfect hatred: and they are become enemies to me.

23Prove me, O God, and know my heart: examine me, and know my paths.

24And see if there be in me the way of iniquity: and lead me in the eternal way.

Reflection for Today

The message of Psalms Chapter 138 unfolds within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. Catholic theology, drawing on the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589), sees in this chapter a call to deeper faith. The principle that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him guides our interpretation.

The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. John Chrysostom, devoted themselves to explaining Scripture for the faithful. Their insights, preserved in the Church's Tradition, continue to illuminate our reading. The Catechism reminds us that "the Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord" (CIC 103).

As you engage with this chapter, bring your questions, struggles, and hopes to the text. God's Word addresses the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we receive the grace to live what we read. May this chapter strengthen your faith and deepen your love for Christ and His Church.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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