Psalm 31

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

2Incline your ear to me quickly; deliver me. Be for me a rocky stronghold, a house of fortresses to save me.

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

4Bring me out from the net that they have hidden for me, for you are my stronghold.

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

6I hate those who take heed of vain falsehoods, but I trust in Yahweh.

7I will exult and rejoice in your kindness, because you have seen my affliction; you have known my soul in distresses.

8You have not delivered me into the enemy's hand. You have set my feet in a spacious place.

9Be gracious to me, Yahweh, for distress afflicts me; my eye, my soul, and my body languish in sorrow.

10For sorrow has consumed my life and groaning my years; my strength has failed through my iniquity, and my bones have been consumed.

11I have become a reproach because of all my adversaries, especially to my neighbors, and a dread to my acquaintances; those who see me outside have fled from me.

12I am forgotten like a dead man out of mind. I am like a destroyed vessel.

13For I have heard defamation from many, terror all around, while they counseled together against me to take my life; they plotted.

14As for me, I trust in you, Yahweh; I said, "You are my God."

15My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from my pursuers.

16Make your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.

17Yahweh, do not let me be put to shame, for I have called upon you; let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silenced in Sheol.

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

19How great your goodness, which you have treasured for those who fear you, which you have performed for those who trust in you, in the sight of humankind!

20You hide them in the covert of your presence from man's intrigues; you keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.

21Blessed be Yahweh, for he has wonderfully shown his steadfast love to me in a fortified city.

22I said in my alarm, "I am cut off from before your eyes." Nevertheless you heard the voice of my entreaties when I cried to you.

23Love Yahweh, all his godly ones! Yahweh guards the faithful and repays abundantly the haughty doer.

24Be strong, and let him strengthen your heart, all you who hope in Yahweh.