Psalms – Chapter 16

Old Testament15 Verses

Chapter Summary

"The prayer of David. Hear, O Lord, my justice: attend to my supplication. Give ear unto my prayer, which proceedeth not from deceitful lips." — so begins Psalms 16. David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 15 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and justice and care for the poor. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1The prayer of David. Hear, O Lord, my justice: attend to my supplication. Give ear unto my prayer, which proceedeth not from deceitful lips.

2Let my judgment come forth from thy countenance: let thy eyes behold the things that are equitable.

3Thou hast proved my heart, and visited it by night, thou hast tried me by fire: and iniquity hath not been found in me.

4That my mouth may not speak the works of men: for the sake of the words of thy lips, I have kept hard ways.

5Perfect thou my goings in thy paths: that my footsteps be not moved.

6I have cried to thee, for thou, O God, hast heard me: O incline thy ear unto me, and hear my words.

7Shew forth thy wonderful mercies; thou who savest them that trust in thee.

8From them that resist thy right hand keep me, as the apple of thy eye. Protect me under the shadow of thy wings.

9From the face of the wicked who have afflicted me. My enemies have surrounded my soul:

10They have shut up their fat: their mouth hath spoken proudly.

11They have cast me forth, and now they have surrounded me: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth.

12They have taken me, as a lion prepared for the prey; and as a young lion dwelling in secret places.

13Arise, O Lord, disappoint him and supplant him; deliver my soul from the wicked one; thy sword

14From the enemies of thy hand. O Lord, divide them from the few of the earth in their life: their belly is filled from thy hidden stores. They are full of children: and they have left to their little ones the rest of their substance.

15But as for me, I will appear before thy sight in justice: I shall be satisfied when thy glory shall appear.

Important Verses in Psalms 16

The prayer of David. Hear, O Lord, my justice: attend to my supplication. Give ear unto my prayer, which proceedeth not from deceitful lips.

Psalms 16:1

I have cried to thee, for thou, O God, hast heard me: O incline thy ear unto me, and hear my words.

Psalms 16:6

From the face of the wicked who have afflicted me. My enemies have surrounded my soul:

Psalms 16:9

But as for me, I will appear before thy sight in justice: I shall be satisfied when thy glory shall appear.

Psalms 16:15

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 16 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 15 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "The prayer of David. Hear, O Lord, my justice: attend to my supplication. Give ear unto my prayer, which proceedeth not…" The final verse reads: "But as for me, I will appear before thy sight in justice: I shall be satisfied when thy glory shall appear. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 1: "The prayer of David. Hear, O Lord, my justice: attend to my supplication. Give ear unto my prayer, which proceedeth not from deceitful lips." The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 16 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Athanasius and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1095).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Psalms Chapter 16 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Psalms Chapter 16. At the moral level, discernment and obedience to God challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 1431).

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1814).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 16 about?

Psalms 16 contains 15 verses. It opens with "The prayer of David. Hear, O Lord, my justice: attend to my supplication. Give ear unto my prayer, which proceedeth not…" and closes with "But as for me, I will appear before thy sight in justice: I shall be satisfied when thy glory shall appear. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 16?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "The prayer of David. Hear, O Lord, my justice: attend to my supplication. Give ear unto my prayer, which proceedeth not from deceitful lips." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 16?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles