Psalms 31

1For the leader. A psalm of David.

2I seek refuge in You, O ETERNAL One;may I never be disappointed;as You are righteous, rescue me.

3Incline Your ear to me;be quick to save me;be a rock, a stronghold for me,a citadel, for my deliverance.

4For You are my rock and my fortress;You lead me and guide me as befits Your name.

5You free me from the net laid for me,for You are my stronghold.

6Into Your hand I entrust my spirit;You redeem me, O ETERNAL One, faithful God.

7I detest those who rely on empty folly,but I trust in GOD.

8Let me exult and rejoice in Your faithfulnesswhen You notice my affliction,are mindful of my deep distress,

9and do not hand me over to my enemy,but grant me relief.

10Have mercy on me, O ETERNAL One,for I am in distress;my eyes are wasted by vexation,my substance and body too.

11My life is spent in sorrow,my years in groaning;my strength fails because of my iniquity,my limbs waste away.

12Because of all my foesI am the particular butt of my neighbors,a horror to my friends;those who see me on the street avoid me.

13I am put out of mind like the dead;I am like an object given up for lost.

14I hear the whisperings of many,intrigue on every side,as they scheme together against me,plotting to take my life.

15But I trust in You, O ETERNAL One;I say, “You are my God!”

16My fate is in Your hand;save me from the hand of my enemies and pursuers.

17Show favor to Your servant;as You are faithful, deliver me.

18O ETERNAL One, let me not be disappointed when I call You;let the wicked be disappointed;let them be silenced in Sheol;

19let lying lips be stilledthat speak haughtily against the righteouswith arrogance and contempt.

20How abundant is the goodthat You have in store for those who fear You,that You do in full viewfor those who take refuge in You.

21You grant them the protection of Your presenceagainst the opposition’s schemes; You shelter them in Your pavilionfrom contentious tongues.

22Blessed is GOD,who has been wondrously faithful to me,a veritable bastion.

23Alarmed, I had thought,“I am thrust out of Your sight”;yet You listened to my plea for mercywhen I cried out to You.

24So love GOD, all you faithful; GOD guards the loyal,and more than requitesthe one who acts arrogantly.

25Be strong and of good courage,all you who wait for GOD.