Psalms – Chapter 5

Old Testament13 Verses

1Unto the end, for her that obtaineth the inheritance. A psalm for David.

2Give ear, O Lord, to my words, understand my cry.

3Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O my King and my God.

4For to thee will I pray: O Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear my voice.

5In the morning I will stand before thee, and I will see: because thou art not a God that willest iniquity.

6Neither shall the wicked dwell near thee: nor shall the unjust abide before thy eyes.

7Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity: thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie. The bloody and the deceitful man the Lord will abhor.

8But as for me in the multitude of thy mercy, I will come into thy house; I will worship towards thy holy temple, in thy fear.

9Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice: because of my enemies, direct my way in thy sight.

10For there is no truth in their mouth: their heart is vain.

11Their throat is an open sepulchre: they dealt deceitfully with their tongues: judge them, O God. Let them fall from their devices: according to the multitude of their wickednesses cast them out: for they have provoked thee, O Lord.

12But let all them be glad that hope in thee: they shall rejoice for ever, and thou shalt dwell in them. And all they that love thy name shall glory in thee.

13For thou wilt bless the just. O Lord, thou hast crowned us, as with a shield of thy good will.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 5 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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