Psalm 31

For the choir director; a psalm by David. 

1  I have taken refuge in you, O Lord. 

Never let me be put to shame. 

Save me because of your righteousness. 

2  Turn your ear toward me. 

Rescue me quickly. 

Be a rock of refuge for me, 

a strong fortress to save me. 

3  Indeed, you are my rock and my fortress. 

For the sake of your name, lead me and guide me. 

4  You are my refuge, 

so pull me out of the net that they have secretly laid for me. 

5  Into your hands I entrust my spirit. 

You have rescued me, O Lord, God of truth. 

6  I hate those who cling to false gods, but I trust the Lord. 

7  I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy. 

You have seen my misery. 

You have known the troubles in my soul. 

8  You have not handed me over to the enemy. 

You have set my feet in a place where I can move freely. 

9  Have pity on me, O Lord, because I am in distress. 

My eyes, my soul, and my body waste away from grief. 

10  My life is exhausted from sorrow, 

my years from groaning. 

My strength staggers under ⸤the weight of⸥ my guilt, 

and my bones waste away. 

11  I have become a disgrace because of all my opponents. 

I have become someone dreaded by my friends, 

even by my neighbors. 

Those who see me on the street run away from me. 

12  I have faded from memory as if I were dead 

and have become like a piece of broken pottery. 

13  I have heard the whispering of many people— 

terror on every side— 

while they made plans together against me. 

They were plotting to take my life. 

14  I trust you, O Lord. 

I said, “You are my God.” 

15  My future is in your hands. 

Rescue me from my enemies, from those who persecute me. 

16  Smile on me. 

Save me with your mercy. 

17  O Lord, I have called on you, so do not let me be put to shame, 

Let wicked people be put to shame. 

Let them be silent in the grave. 

18  Let ⸤their⸥ lying lips be speechless, 

since they speak against righteous people with arrogance and contempt. 

19  Your kindness is so great! 

You reserve it for those who fear you. 

Adam’s descendants watch 

as you show it to those who take refuge in you. 

20  You hide them in the secret place of your presence 

from those who scheme against them. 

You keep them in a shelter, 

safe from quarrelsome tongues. 

21  Thank the Lord! 

He has shown me the miracle of his mercy 

in a city under attack. 

22  When I was panic-stricken, I said, 

“I have been cut off from your sight.” 

But you heard my pleas for mercy when I cried out to you for help. 

23  Love the Lord, all you godly ones! 

The Lord protects faithful people, 

but he pays back in full those who act arrogantly. 

24  Be strong, all who wait with hope for the Lord, 

and let your heart be courageous.