Psalm 111.  Beatus vir

The song of the godly

This is the complement of the previous psalm: the good God (Ps. 110)—the virtuous man (Ps. 111).  The sequence of thought in the latter is rather free.  The Church holds a mirror before my soul: are you such a virtuous person?  I will think of the Man who has shewn the highest sanctity, our blessed Lord, and of his Saints; every day the Church is leading me into the gallery of his Saints.

Love of God's commandments

Beátus vir, qui timet Dóminum: * in mandátis ejus volet nimis.

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; * he hath great delight in his commandments.

Blessings of holy fear

2  Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generátio rectórum benedicétur.
3  Glória, et divítiæ in domo ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Exórtum est in ténebris lumen rectis: * miséricors, et miserátor, et justus.
5  Jucúndus homo qui miserétur et cómmodat, dispónet sermónes suos in judício: * quia in ætérnum non commovébitur.
6  In memória ætérna erit justus: * ab auditióne mala non timébit.
7  Parátum cor ejus speráre in Dómino, confirmátum est cor ejus: * non commovébitur donec despíciat inimícos suos.
8  Dispérsit, dedit paupéribus: justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi, * cornu ejus exaltábitur in glória.

2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth; * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
3  Glory and riches shall be in his house; * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness; * he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5  Happy is the man that sheweth mercy, and lendeth; he will guide his words with discretion : * for he shall never be moved.
6  The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance : * he shall not be afraid of any evil tidings.
7  His heart is ready, trusting in the Lord, his heart is stablished, * he shall not be afraid until he see his desire upon his enemies.
8  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, and his righteousness remaineth for ever; * his horn shall be exalted with honour.

Frustration of the wicked

9  Peccátor vidébit, et irascétur, déntibus suis fremet et tabéscet: * desidérium peccatórum períbit.

9  The ungodly shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; * the desire of the ungodly shall perish.