OEBcth - Psalms - 31

31:1  In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me in your faithfulness;

31:2  incline to me your ear. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a rock of defence, a fortified house, to save me.

31:3  For my rock and my fortress are you; lead me and guide me so your name will be honoured.

31:4  Draw me out of the net they have hid for me, for you yourself are my refuge.

31:5  Into your hand I commend my spirit: you ransom me, Lord, faithful God.

31:6  I hate those devoted to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord.

31:7  I will rejoice and be glad in your love, because you have looked on my misery, and cared for me in my distress.

31:8  You have not given me into the enemy’s hand, you have set my feet in a spacious place.

31:9  Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am distressed; my eye is wasted away with sorrow.

31:10  For my life is consumed with grief, and my years with sighing. My strength is broken with misery, my bones waste away.

31:11  The scorn of all my foes, the butt of my neighbours am I, a terror to my acquaintance. At the sight of me in the street people turn quickly away.

31:12  I am clean forgotten like the dead, am become like a ruined vessel.

31:13  I hear the whispers of many --- terror on every side --- scheming together against me, plotting to take my life.

31:14  But my trust is in you, Lord. “You are my God,” I say;

31:15  my times are in your hand, save me from the hand of the foes who pursue me.

31:16  Make your face to shine on your servant, save me in your love.

31:17  Put me not, O Lord, to shame, for I have called upon you. Let the wicked be put to shame silent in Sheol.

31:18  Strike the false lips dumb, that speak proudly against the righteous with haughtiness and contempt.

31:19  How great is the goodness you have treasured for those who fear you, and wrought for those who take refuge in you, in plain sight of all!

31:20  In your sheltering wings you hide them from plottings of people, you keep them safe in a bower from the chiding of tongues.

31:21  Blest be the Lord for the wonderful love he has shown me in time of distress.

31:22  For I had said in panic, “I am driven clean out of your sight.” But you heard my plea, when I cried to you for help.

31:23  Love the Lord, all you faithful; the Lord protects the loyal, but repays the haughty in full.

31:24  Let your hearts be courageous and strong, all you who wait on the Lord.