Psalms – Chapter 51

Old Testament11 Verses

1Unto the end, understanding for David,

2When Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul: David went to the house of Achimelech.

3Why dost thou glory in malice, thou that art mighty in iniquity?

4All the day long thy tongue hath devised injustice: as a sharp razor, thou hast wrought deceit.

5Thou hast loved malice more than goodness: and iniquity rather than to speak righteousness.

6Thou hast loved all the words of ruin, O deceitful tongue.

7Therefore will God destroy thee for ever: he will pluck thee out, and remove thee from thy dwelling place: and thy root out of the land of the living.

8The just shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, and say:

9Behold the man that made not God his helper: But trusted in the abundance of his riches: and prevailed in his vanity.

10But I, as a fruitful olive tree in the house of God, have hoped in the mercy of God for ever, yea for ever and ever.

11I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name, for it is good in the sight of thy saints.

Reflection for Today

According to Catholic teaching, Psalm 51 (the Miserere) is the greatest of the penitential psalms and a model for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church cites this psalm extensively in its teaching on sin, repentance, and God's mercy (CIC 1850-1851). David's confession—"Against you, you alone, have I sinned"—reveals that all sin is ultimately an offense against God.

The Church understands David's prayer "Create in me a clean heart, O God" as expressing the need for interior transformation that only grace can accomplish. Catholic theology teaches that the Sacrament of Confession not only forgives sins but also heals and restores the soul. The Council of Trent affirmed that this sacrament is necessary for salvation for those who have fallen into mortal sin after Baptism.

The verse "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" is central to Catholic spirituality. The Church Fathers taught that true repentance involves not just sorrow for sin but a firm purpose of amendment. Pope Francis frequently cites this psalm, reminding the faithful that God's mercy is infinite and that the confessional is not a "torture chamber" but a place of healing and encounter with Christ's compassion.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Deepen your understanding with these related articles