The Thirty-first Psalm
The Psalmist declares all those happy, whose sins are forgiven; and, from his own example, and that of the saints, exhorts all to seek this beatitude, and to avoid brutal obstinacy. Rewards and punishments are proposed.
Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin: and in whose soul there is no guile.
Because I was silent, my bones grew old: whilst I cried all the day.
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: I am turned in my anguish, whilst the thorn is fastened.
I have acknowledged my sin to thee, and my injustice I have not concealed.
I said, I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord: and thou hast forgiven the impiety of my sin.
For this shall every one that is holy pray to thee in a seasonable time.
Yet in the deluge of many waters they shall not approach him.
Thou art my refuge from the tribulation which hath surrounded me: my joy, deliver me from them that encompass me.
I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in the way in which thou shalt go: I will fix my eyes upon thee.
Do not become like the horse and mule, that have no understanding.
With bit and bridle bind fast their jaws who do not approach thee.
Many are the scourges of the sinner: but mercy shall encompass him that hopeth in the Lord.
Be joyful in the Lord, and rejoice ye just: and glory all ye upright of heart. Glory, &c.