Psalms – Chapter 32

Old Testament22 Verses

1A psalm for David. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright.

2Give praise to the Lord on the harp; sing to him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings.

3Sing to him a new canticle, sing well unto him with a loud noise.

4For the word of the Lord is right, and all his works are done with faithfulness.

5He loveth mercy and judgment; the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.

6By the word of the Lord the heavens were established; and all the power of them by the spirit of his mouth:

7Gathering together the waters of the sea, as in a vessel; laying up the depths in storehouses.

8Let all the earth fear the Lord, and let all the inhabitants of the world be in awe of him.

9For he spoke and they were made: he commanded and they were created.

10The Lord bringeth to nought the counsels of nations; and he rejecteth the devices of people, and casteth away the counsels of princes.

11But the counsel of the Lord standeth for ever: the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

12Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance.

13The Lord hath looked from heaven: he hath beheld all the sons of men.

14From his habitation which he hath prepared, he hath looked upon all that dwell on the earth.

15He who hath made the hearts of every one of them: who understandeth all their works.

16The king is not saved by a great army: nor shall the giant be saved by his own great strength.

17Vain is the horse for safety: neither shall he be saved by the abundance of his strength.

18Behold the eyes of the Lord are on them that fear him: and on them that hope in his mercy.

19To deliver their souls from death; and feed them in famine.

20Our soul waiteth for the Lord: for he is our helper and protector.

21For in him our heart shall rejoice: and in his holy name we have trusted.

22Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in thee.

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 32, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Psalms Chapter 32 supports that call by drawing attention to humility before the mystery of God within the wider message that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 133).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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