Psalms 31

1For the Leader. A Psalm of David. In thee, O YHWH, have I taken refuge; let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Thy righteousness.

2Incline Thine ear unto me, deliver me speedily; Be Thou to me a rock of refuge, even a fortress of defence, to save me.

3For Thou art my rock and my fortress; Therefore for Thy name’s sake lead me and guide me.

4Bring me forth out of the net that they have hidden for me; For Thou art my stronghold.

5Into Thy hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, O YHWH, Thou God of truth.

6I hate them that regard lying vanities; But I trust in YHWH.

7I will be glad and rejoice in Thy lovingkindness; For Thou hast seen mine affliction, Thou hast taken cognizance of the troubles of my soul,

8And Thou hast not given me over into the hand of the enemy; Thou hast set my feet in a broad place.

9Be gracious unto me, O YHWH, for I am in distress; Mine eye wasteth away with vexation, yea, my soul and my body.

10For my life is spent in sorrow, and my years in sighing; My strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are wasted away.

11Because of all mine adversaries I am become a reproach, Yea, unto my neighbours exceedingly, and a dread to mine acquaintance; They that see me without flee from me.

12I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind; I am like a useless vessel.

13For I have heard the whispering of many, Terror on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They devised to take away my life.

14But as for me, I have trusted in Thee, O YHWH; I have said: ‘Thou art my God.’

15My times are in Thy hand; Deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

16Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; Save me in Thy lovingkindness.

17O YHWH, let me not be ashamed, for I have called upon Thee; Let the wicked be ashamed, let them be put to silence in the nether-world.

18Let the lying lips be dumb, Which speak arrogantly against the righteous, With pride and contempt.

19Oh how abundant is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; Which Thou hast wrought for them that take their refuge in Thee, in the sight of the sons of men!

20Thou hidest them in the covert of Thy presence from the plottings of man; Thou concealest them in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

21Blessed be YHWH; For He hath shown me His wondrous lovingkindness in an entrenched city.

22As for me, 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.

23O love YHWH, all ye His godly ones; YHWH preserveth the faithful, And plentifully repayeth him that acteth haughtily.

24Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All ye that wait for YHWH.