Psalms – Chapter 35

Old Testament13 Verses

1Unto the end, for the servant of God, David himself.

2The unjust hath said within himself, that he would sin: there is no fear of God before his eyes.

3For in his sight he hath done deceitfully, that his iniquity may be found unto hatred.

4The words of his mouth are iniquity and guile: he would not understand that he might do well.

5He hath devised iniquity on his bed, he hath set himself on every way that is not good: but evil he hath not hated.

6O Lord, thy mercy is in heaven, and thy truth reacheth even to the clouds.

7Thy justice is as the mountains of God, thy judgments are a great deep. Men and beasts thou wilt preserve, O Lord:

8O how hast thou multiplied thy mercy, O God! But the children of men shall put their trust under the cover of thy wings.

9They shall be inebriated with the plenty of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the torrent of thy pleasure.

10For with thee is the fountain of life; and in thy light we shall see light.

11Extend thy mercy to them that know thee, and thy justice to them that are right in heart.

12Let not the foot of pride come to me, and let not the hand of the sinner move me.

13There the workers of iniquity are fallen, they are cast out, and could not stand.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 35 continues the biblical theme of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter invites us to reflect on God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

The Church Fathers and saints have meditated on these passages for centuries, finding in them nourishment for the spiritual life. The Catechism teaches that "the Sacred Scriptures contain the Word of God and, because they are inspired, they are truly the Word of God" (CIC 135). As we read this chapter, we join the great Tradition of Catholic biblical interpretation.

Catholic spirituality encourages us to approach Scripture with faith, seeking not merely information but transformation. Through the practice of lectio divina—reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation—we allow God's Word to penetrate our hearts. May this chapter deepen your love for God and neighbor, and strengthen your commitment to live the Gospel in daily life.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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