Psalms 31

In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!

Incline your ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!

Yes, you are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,

take me out of the net which is hidden for me, for you are my refuge.

Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

You hate those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in the Lord.

I will rejoice and be glad for your merciful love, because you have seen my lowliness, you have taken heed of my adversities,

and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief, my soul and my body also.

For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away.

I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me.

I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.

Yes, I hear the whispering of many— terror on every side!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.

But I trust in you, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.”

My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors!

Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your merciful love!

Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I call on you; let the wicked be put to shame, let them go dumbfounded to Sheol.

Let the lying lips be silent, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt.

O how abundant is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, and wrought for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the sons of men!

In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you hold them safe under your shelter from the strife of tongues.

Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown me his merciful love when I was beset as in a besieged city.

I had said in my alarm, “I am driven farfrom your sight.” But you heard my supplications, when I cried to you for help.

Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but abundantly repays him who acts haughtily.

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!