Psalm 31

For the choir director. A psalm of David.

1In you, Yahweh, I take refuge; never let me be put to shame; rescue me in your righteousness.

2Turn your ear to me; come quickly to deliver me. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.

3For you are my rock and my fortress; for the sake of your name, lead me and guide me.

4Free me from the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge.

5Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, Yahweh, God of faithfulness.

6I hate those who cling to worthless idols, but I trust in Yahweh.

7I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul.

8You have not handed me over to the enemy; you have set my feet in a wide-open place.

9Be gracious to me, Yahweh, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away with grief, my soul and my body too.

10For my life is used up in sorrow, and my years in groaning; my strength fails because of my guilt, and my bones waste away.

11Because of all my foes I have become an object of scorn, especially to my neighbors, and a dread to my friends; those who see me in the street run from me.

12I am forgotten like one who is dead, out of mind; I have become like a broken pot.

13For I hear the whispering of many, terror on every side, as they plot together against me, scheming to take my life.

14But I trust in you, Yahweh; I say, “You are my God.”

15My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from those who pursue me.

16Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love.

17Yahweh, do not let me be put to shame, for I call on you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them lie silent in Sheol.

18Let lying lips be silenced, which speak arrogantly against the righteous with pride and contempt.

19How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of all people!

20In the shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.

21Blessed be Yahweh, for he has shown me the wonder of his steadfast love in a city under siege.

22In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard the sound of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.

23Love Yahweh, all you his faithful ones! Yahweh protects the loyal, but he fully repays those who act in pride.

24Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for Yahweh!