Beati quorum.
The second penitential psalm.
31:1. To David himself, understanding. Blessed are they whose
iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
31:2. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, and in
whose spirit there is no guile.
31:3. Because I was silent my bones grew old; whilst I cried out all
the day long.
Because I was silent, etc. . .That is, whilst I kept silence, by
concealing, or refusing to confess my sins, thy hand was heavy upon me,
etc.
31:4. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: I am turned in my
anguish, whilst the thorn is fastened.
I am turned, etc. . .That is, I turn and roll about in my bed to seek
for ease in my pain whilst the thorn of thy justice pierces my flesh,
and sticks fast in me. Or, I am turned: that is, I am converted to
thee, my God, by being brought to a better understanding by thy
chastisements. In the Hebrew it is, my moisture is turned into the
droughts of the summer.
31:5. 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.
31:6. For 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.
31:7. Thou art my refuge from the trouble which hath encompassed me: my
joy, deliver me from them that surround me.
31:8. I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in this
way, in which thou shalt go: I will fix my eyes upon thee.
31:9. Do 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.
31:10. Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy shall encompass
him that hopeth in the Lord.
31:11. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, and glory, all ye
right of heart.