Psalms – Chapter 31

Old Testament11 Verses

1To David himself, understanding. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

2Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

3Because I was silent my bones grew old; whilst I cried out all the day long.

4For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: I am turned in my anguish, whilst the thorn is fastened.

5I have acknowledged my sin to thee, and my injustice I have not concealed. I said I will confess against my self my injustice to the Lord: and thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin.

6For this shall every one that is holy pray to thee in a seasonable time. And yet in a flood of many waters, they shall not come nigh unto him.

7Thou art my refuge from the trouble which hath encompassed me: my joy, deliver me from them that surround me.

8I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in this way, in which thou shalt go: I will fix my eyes upon thee.

9Do not become like the horse and the mule, who have no understanding. With bit and bridle bind fast their jaws, who come not near unto thee.

10Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy shall encompass him that hopeth in the Lord.

11Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, and glory, all ye right of heart.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 31 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). Here the believer is invited to ponder perseverance through trial.

May your reading of Psalms Chapter 31 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Deepen your understanding with these related articles