The Wisdom Psalms “constitute one of the more distinctive kinds of palms in the Psalter… They are psalms that reflect on wisdom, on the fate of the righteous and the wicked, and on the Law. They are distinguished by their reflective, meditative tone, and their didactic character.” The Wisdom Psalms were most likely not used in temple worship. They were used for teaching purposes, with the understanding that learning can be an act of devotion to God.
Questions
1. The Wisdom Psalms were written to teach God’s people. What is the lesson the psalm is teaching?
2. Why would this lesson be taught and preserved as a psalm?
3. What ideas about God, the Church, or your faith would you like to be taught and expressed as a psalm?Use the psalm of the day as inspiration to write a line of your new psalm. Use this as your prayer today.
Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not be envious of wrongdoers,
for they will soon fade like the grass,
and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will make your vindication shine like the light,
and the justice of your cause like the noonday.
Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
over those who carry out evil devices.
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
Do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For the wicked shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.