1 In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
8 And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
9 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
11 I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.
12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
14 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.
15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.
17 Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
23 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31 is a profound passage in the Book of Psalms of the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible. Written by King David, it is a deeply personal and heartfelt plea to God for protection, deliverance, and guidance. This Psalm is not merely a historical or religious text; it is a testament to human faith and resilience in the face of adversity, and the unwavering belief in divine providence. The Psalmist’s words resonate with the reader, offering comfort, encouragement, and hope.
Psalm 31 is a rich tapestry of emotions, experiences, and expressions of faith. It begins with a fervent prayer to God for deliverance from enemies, leading to a declaration of trust in God's providential care. The Psalmist's trust in God's justice is evident as he prays for the downfall of the wicked and the triumph of the righteous. The Psalm concludes with a call upon the faithful to love God and trust in His protection.
Throughout the Psalm, the Psalmist's deep sense of vulnerability is evident. He acknowledges his weaknesses, his sins, and his frailty. But amidst these confessions, the Psalmist's unwavering faith in God's mercy and deliverance shines through. This dichotomy between human vulnerability and divine strength forms a key theme of Psalm 31.
Psalm 31 is rich in themes that are central to the human experience and the understanding of the divine. The most prominent themes include trust in God, deliverance from adversity, divine justice, and human frailty.
Trust in God: The Psalmist's unwavering trust in God is a recurring theme. Despite being surrounded by enemies and adversity, the Psalmist continually reaffirms his faith in God's protection. This theme is not only a testament to the Psalmist's faith but also serves as an encouragement to the reader to trust in God's providence.
Deliverance from Adversity: Psalm 31 is essentially a prayer for deliverance. The Psalmist is in distress, surrounded by enemies, and feeling abandoned. Yet, he prays with conviction, believing that God will deliver him from his troubles. The theme of deliverance is closely tied to the theme of trust, reinforcing the belief that those who trust in God will be delivered from their adversities.
Divine Justice: The Psalmist's belief in divine justice is evident in his prayer for the downfall of the wicked and the triumph of the righteous. He believes that God will judge each person according to their deeds, a belief that offers comfort to the oppressed and serves as a warning to the wicked.
Human Frailty: The Psalmist's acknowledgment of his weaknesses and sins is a reminder of human frailty. However, rather than leading to despair, this acknowledgment leads to a deeper understanding of God's mercy and grace. This theme serves as a reminder of the human need for divine guidance and protection.
Despite being written thousands of years ago, Psalm 31 continues to resonate with contemporary readers. Its themes of trust, deliverance, divine justice, and human frailty are universal and timeless. They speak to the human condition and the human relationship with the divine, making the Psalm relevant to readers of all times and cultures.
In times of adversity, Psalm 31 offers comfort and hope. It encourages the reader to trust in God's providence, to believe in divine justice, and to seek God's guidance and protection. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, God's love and mercy endure.
For those struggling with sin and guilt, Psalm 31 offers a message of divine mercy and forgiveness. It serves as a reminder of human frailty and the need for divine grace. It encourages the reader to seek God's forgiveness and to trust in His mercy.
In conclusion, Psalm 31 is a profound and timeless passage that speaks to the human condition and the human relationship with the divine. Its themes of trust, deliverance, divine justice, and human frailty continue to resonate with contemporary readers, offering comfort, encouragement, and hope in times of adversity. As such, it remains a vital part of the biblical canon and a valuable source of spiritual guidance and inspiration.
Share this page