Psalms – Chapter 40

Old Testament14 Verses

1Unto the end, a psalm for David himself.

2Blessed is he that understandeth concerning the needy and the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the evil day.

3The Lord preserve him and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth: and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

4The Lord help him on his bed of sorrow: thou hast turned all his couch in his sickness.

5I said: O Lord, be thou merciful to me: heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee.

6My enemies have spoken evils against me: when shall he die and his name perish?

7And if he came in to see me, he spoke vain things: his heart gathered together iniquity to itself. He went out and spoke to the same purpose.

8All my enemies whispered together against me: they devised evils to me.

9They determined against me an unjust word: shall he that sleepeth rise again no more?

10For even the man of my peace, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, hath greatly supplanted me.

11But thou, O Lord, have mercy on me, and raise me up again: and I will requite them.

12By this I know, that thou hast had a good will for me: because my enemy shall not rejoice over me.

13But thou hast upheld me by reason of my innocence: and hast established me in thy sight for ever.

14Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel from eternity to eternity. So be it. So be it.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 40 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

Deepen your understanding with these related articles