NET Bible

Psalm 31

^31:1 In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter. Never let me be humiliated. Vindicate me by rescuing me. ^31:2 Listen to me. Quickly deliver me. Be my protector and refuge, a stronghold where I can be safe. ^31:3 For you are my high ridge and my stronghold; for the sake of your own reputation you lead me and guide me. ^31:4 You will free me from the net they hid for me, for you are my place of refuge. ^31:5 Into your hand I entrust my life; you will rescue me, O Lord, the faithful God. ^31:6 I hate those who serve worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord. ^31:7 I will be happy and rejoice in your faithfulness, because you notice my pain and you are aware of how distressed I am. ^31:8 You do not deliver me over to the power of the enemy; you enable me to stand in a wide open place. ^31:9 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress! My eyes grow dim from suffering. I have lost my strength. ^31:10 For my life nears its end in pain; my years draw to a close as I groan. My strength fails me because of my sin, and my bones become brittle. ^31:11 Because of all my enemies, people disdain me; my neighbors are appalled by my suffering — those who know me are horrified by my condition; those who see me in the street run away from me. ^31:12 I am forgotten, like a dead man no one thinks about; I am regarded as worthless, like a broken jar. ^31:13 For I hear what so many are saying, the terrifying news that comes from every direction. When they plot together against me, they figure out how they can take my life. ^31:14 But I trust in you, O Lord! I declare, “You are my God!” ^31:15 You determine my destiny. Rescue me from the power of my enemies and those who chase me. ^31:16 Smile on your servant. Deliver me because of your faithfulness. ^31:17 O Lord, do not let me be humiliated, for I call out to you. May evil men be humiliated. May they go wailing to the grave. ^31:18 May lying lips be silenced— lips that speak defiantly against the innocent with arrogance and contempt. ^31:19 How great is your favor, which you store up for your loyal followers. In plain sight of everyone you bestow it on those who take shelter in you. ^31:20 You hide them with you, where they are safe from the attacks of men; you conceal them in a shelter, where they are safe from slanderous attacks. ^31:21 The Lord deserves praise for he demonstrated his amazing faithfulness to me when I was besieged by enemies. ^31:22 I jumped to conclusions and said, “I am cut off from your presence!” But you heard my plea for mercy when I cried out to you for help. ^31:23 Love the Lord, all you faithful followers of his! The Lord protects those who have integrity, but he pays back in full the one who acts arrogantly. ^31:24 Be strong and confident, all you who wait on the Lord.

^31:24 By David; a well-written song.