Psalms – Chapter 139

Old Testament14 Verses

1Unto the end, a psalm of David.

2Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: rescue me from the unjust man.

3Who have devised iniquities in their hearts: all the day long they designed battles.

4They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent: the venom of asps is under their lips.

5Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the wicked: and from unjust men deliver me. Who have proposed to supplant my steps:

6The proud have hidden a net for me. And they have stretched out cords for a snare: they have laid for me a stumblingblock by the wayside.

7I said to the Lord: Thou art my God: hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication.

8O Lord, Lord, the strength of my salvation: thou hast overshadowed my head in the day of battle.

9Give me not up, O Lord, from my desire to the wicked: they have plotted against me; do not thou forsake me, lest they should triumph.

10The head of them compassing me about: the labour of their lips shall overwhelm them.

11Burning coals shall fall upon them; thou wilt cast them down into the fire: in miseries they shall not be able to stand.

12A man full of tongue shall not be established in the earth: evil shall catch the unjust man unto destruction.

13I know that the Lord will do justice to the needy, and will revenge the poor.

14But as for the just, they shall give glory to thy name: and the upright shall dwell with thy countenance.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 139 contributes to the biblical theme of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God, which Catholic teaching develops throughout the Catechism. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The enduring truth that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him calls us to response.

The Second Vatican Council's Dei Verbum teaches that "Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit" (DV 9). This chapter, like all Scripture, is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Catholic tradition encourages daily engagement with Scripture, whether through the Liturgy of the Hours, personal reading, or group study. The Catechism teaches that "prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man" (CIC 2653). May your reading of this chapter be a true encounter with the living God.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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