Psalms – Chapter 37

Old Testament23 Verses

1A psalm for David, for a remembrance of the sabbath.

2Rebuke me not, O Lord, in thy indignation; nor chastise me in thy wrath.

3For thy arrows are fastened in me: and thy hand hath been strong upon me.

4There is no health in my flesh, because of thy wrath: there is no peace for my bones, because of my sins.

5For my iniquities are gone over my head: and as a heavy burden are become heavy upon me.

6My sores are putrefied and corrupted, because of my foolishness.

7I am become miserable, and am bowed down even to the end: I walked sorrowful all the day long.

8For my loins are filled with illusions; and there is no health in my flesh.

9I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly: I roared with the groaning of my heart.

10Lord, all my desire is before thee, and my groaning is not hidden from thee.

11My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me, and the light of my eyes itself is not with me.

12My friends and my neighbours have drawn near, and stood against me. And they that were near me stood afar off:

13And they that sought my soul used violence. And they that sought evils to me spoke vain things, and studied deceits all the day long.

14But I, as a deaf man, heard not: and as a dumb man not opening his mouth.

15And I became as a man that heareth not: and that hath no reproofs in his mouth.

16For in thee, O Lord, have I hoped: thou wilt hear me, O Lord my God.

17For I said: Lest at any time my enemies rejoice over me: and whilst my feet are moved, they speak great things against me.

18For I am ready for scourges: and my sorrow is continually before me.

19For I will declare my iniquity: and I will think for my sin.

20But my enemies live, and are stronger than I: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

21They that render evil for good, have detracted me, because I followed goodness.

22For sake me not, O Lord my God: do not thou depart from me.

23Attend unto my help, O Lord, the God of my salvation.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 37 presents themes of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God that Catholic tradition has long cherished. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The teaching that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him remains as relevant today as when first written.

The Church reads Scripture within the context of the liturgy, where the Word of God is proclaimed and celebrated. The Catechism teaches that "in the liturgy, God speaks to his people and Christ is still proclaiming his Gospel" (CIC 1088). This chapter, when read in the context of the Church's worship, takes on deeper meaning.

Catholic biblical scholarship, guided by the Magisterium, helps us understand both the historical context and the spiritual meaning of these texts. The four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—open up the richness of God's Word. May your reading of this chapter bear fruit in holiness and service to others.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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