Psalm 31.  Beati quorum

The penitent's hymn of thanksgiving

David prayed this Psalm after his sin with Bethsabee.  And we also may feel thankful for the grace of repentance so often granted unto us.

Peace in penance

Beáti quorum remíssæ sunt iniquitátes: * et quorum tecta sunt peccáta.
2  Beátus vir, cui non imputávit Dóminus peccátum, * nec est in spíritu ejus dolus.

Blessed are they whose unrighteousness is forgiven, * and whose sins are covered.
2  Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth no sin, * and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Torture of conscience

3  Quóniam tácui, inveteravérunt ossa mea, * dum clamárem tota die.
4  Quóniam die ac nocte graváta est super me manus tua: * convérsus sum in ærúmna mea, dum confígitur spina.

3  Because I held my tongue, my bones consumed away, * whilst I cried out all the day long.
4  For thy hand was heavy upon me day and night, * I am turned in my anguish, whilst the thorn is fastened.

Confession

5  Delíctum meum cógnitum tibi feci: * et injustítiam meam non abscóndi.
6  Dixi: Confitébor advérsum me injustítiam meam Dómino: * et tu remisísti impietátem peccáti mei.

5  I acknowledged my sin unto thee; * and mine unrighteousness have I not hid.
6  I said, I will confess against myself my sins unto the Lord; * and so thou forgavest the wickedness of my sin.

Fearless with God

7  Pro hac orábit ad te omnis sanctus, * in témpore opportúno.
8  Verúmtamen in dilúvio aquárum multárum, * ad eum non approximábunt.
9  Tu es refúgium meum a tribulatióne, quæ circúmdedit me: * exsultátio mea, érue me a circumdántibus me.

7  For this shall every one that is godly make his prayer unto thee, * in a seasonable time.
8  Surely the great water-floods * shall not come nigh him.
9  Thou art a place to hide me in from the tribulation that compasseth me round about : * thou that art mine exultation, deliver me from them that surround me.

Sheltered in the sanctuary

10  Intelléctum tibi dabo, et ínstruam te in via hac, qua gradiéris: * firmábo super te óculos meos.
11  Nolíte fíeri sicut equus et mulus, * quibus non est intelléctus.
12  In camo et freno maxíllas eórum constrínge: * qui non appróximant ad te.
13  Multa flagélla peccatóris, * sperántem autem in Dómino misericórdia circúmdabit.

10  I will give thee understanding, and teach thee in the way wherein thou shalt go; * and I will guide thee with mine eye.
11  Be ye not like to horse and mule, * which have no understanding.
12  With bit and bridle hold fast their jaws, * who come not near unto thee.
13  Many are the plagues of the ungodly; * but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord, mercy embraceth him on every side.

Finale