Psalms – Chapter 31

Old Testament11 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 31 opens with the words: "To David himself, understanding. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 11 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and God's mercy and forgiveness. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1To David himself, understanding. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

2Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

3Because I was silent my bones grew old; whilst I cried out all the day long.

4For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: I am turned in my anguish, whilst the thorn is fastened.

5I have acknowledged my sin to thee, and my injustice I have not concealed. I said I will confess against my self my injustice to the Lord: and thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin.

6For this shall every one that is holy pray to thee in a seasonable time. And yet in a flood of many waters, they shall not come nigh unto him.

7Thou art my refuge from the trouble which hath encompassed me: my joy, deliver me from them that surround me.

8I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in this way, in which thou shalt go: I will fix my eyes upon thee.

9Do not become like the horse and the mule, who have no understanding. With bit and bridle bind fast their jaws, who come not near unto thee.

10Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy shall encompass him that hopeth in the Lord.

11Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, and glory, all ye right of heart.

Important Verses in Psalms 31

To David himself, understanding. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Psalms 31:1

I have acknowledged my sin to thee, and my injustice I have not concealed. I said I will confess against my self my injustice to the Lord: and thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin.

Psalms 31:5

Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy shall encompass him that hopeth in the Lord.

Psalms 31:10

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 31 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 11 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "To David himself, understanding. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." It concludes: "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, and glory, all ye right of heart. " Read against its original backdrop, 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: "To David himself, understanding. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2466). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize sin and divine judgment as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 31 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 31 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). Here the believer is invited to ponder perseverance through trial.

May your reading of Psalms Chapter 31 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 31 about?

Psalms 31 contains 11 verses. It opens with "To David himself, understanding. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." and closes with "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, and glory, all ye right of heart. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 31?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "To David himself, understanding. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 31?

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.

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