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Psalms 31

World English Bible

WEB

1For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Let me never be disappointed. Deliver me in your righteousness. 2Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me. 3For you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name’s sake lead me and guide me. 4Pluck me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for you are my stronghold. 5Into your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, Yahweh, God of truth. 6I hate those who regard lying vanities, but I trust in Yahweh. 7I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities. 8You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large place. 9Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am in distress. My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with grief. 10For my life is spent with sorrow, my years with sighing. My strength fails because of my iniquity. My bones are wasted away. 11Because of all my adversaries I have become utterly contemptible to my neighbors, a horror to my acquaintances. Those who saw me on the street fled from me. 12I am forgotten from their hearts like a dead man. I am like broken pottery. 13For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life. 14But I trust in you, Yahweh. I said, “You are my God.” 15My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. 16Make your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your loving kindness. 17Let me not be disappointed, Yahweh, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be disappointed. Let them be silent in Sheol. 18Let the lying lips be mute, which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt. 19Oh how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have worked for those who take refuge in you, before the sons of men! 20In the shelter of your presence you will hide them from the plotting of man. You will keep them secretly in a dwelling away from the strife of tongues. 21Praise be to Yahweh, for he has shown me his marvelous loving kindness in a strong city. 22As for me, I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before your eyes.” Nevertheless you heard the voice of my petitions when I cried to you. 23Oh love Yahweh, all you his saints! Yahweh preserves the faithful, and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly. 24Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Psalms 31 is a heartfelt prayer of David, expressing deep trust in the Lord amidst distress and adversity. The psalm opens with a plea for deliverance, as David seeks refuge in God, declaring, "In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame" (#David, #Psalms). This sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing the importance of relying on God during times of trouble. David acknowledges his vulnerability, describing his anguish and the threats he faces from enemies, yet he remains steadfast in his faith, proclaiming, "My times are in your hands" (Psalm 31:15). This verse highlights the sovereignty of God over our lives, reminding us that He is in control even when circumstances seem dire.

As the psalm progresses, David contrasts his own feelings of despair with the steadfast love of the Lord. He recalls God’s past faithfulness, stating, "You have seen my affliction; you have known the anguish of my soul" (Psalm 31:7). This acknowledgment of God’s awareness of our struggles encourages believers to trust in His compassion and mercy. The psalm concludes with a call to hope, as David encourages others to be strong and take heart, for those who hope in the Lord will find strength and deliverance. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and reliance on God during life's challenges, reinforcing the message that He is our ultimate source of refuge and salvation.

In summary, Psalms 31 beautifully encapsulates the journey from despair to hope, illustrating the profound relationship between the believer and God. It encourages us to cast our burdens upon Him and to trust in His unfailing love, making it a timeless source of comfort and strength for all who face trials in their lives.

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Referenced by

  1. Psalms 27:5v20Psalm 27:5 speaks of God hiding the psalmist in His shelter, which is paralleled in Psalm 31:20 where God hides His people in the shelter of His presence.
  2. Psalms 71:1v1Both verses express a plea for refuge in the Lord, highlighting the psalmist's trust in God's protection and deliverance.
  3. Luke 23:46v5In Luke 23:46, Jesus commits His spirit to the Father, quoting Psalm 31:5, demonstrating His trust in God even in death.

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