Psalm 31

A Prayer for Protection and Mercy

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1O Lord, I have come to you for protection;

don’t let me be disgraced.

Save me, for you do what is right.

2Turn your ear to listen to me;

rescue me quickly.

Be my rock of protection,

a fortress where I will be safe.

3You are my rock and my fortress.

For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.

4Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,

for I find protection in you alone.

5I entrust my spirit into your hand.

Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.

6I hate those who worship worthless idols.

I trust in the Lord.

7I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,

for you have seen my troubles,

and you care about the anguish of my soul.

8You have not handed me over to my enemies

but have set me in a safe place.

9Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.

Tears blur my eyes.

My body and soul are withering away.

10I am dying from grief;

my years are shortened by sadness.

Sin has drained my strength;

I am wasting away from within.

11I am scorned by all my enemies

and despised by my neighbors—

even my friends are afraid to come near me.

When they see me on the street,

they run the other way.

12I am ignored as if I were dead,

as if I were a broken pot.

13I have heard the many rumors about me,

and I am surrounded by terror.

My enemies conspire against me,

plotting to take my life.

14But I am trusting you, O Lord,

saying, “You are my God!”

15My future is in your hands.

Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.

16Let your favor shine on your servant.

In your unfailing love, rescue me.

17Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord,

for I call out to you for help.

Let the wicked be disgraced;

let them lie silent in the grave.*31:17 Hebrew in Sheol.

18Silence their lying lips—

those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.

19How great is the goodness

you have stored up for those who fear you.

You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,

blessing them before the watching world.

20You hide them in the shelter of your presence,

safe from those who conspire against them.

You shelter them in your presence,

far from accusing tongues.

21Praise the Lord,

for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.

He kept me safe when my city was under attack.

22In panic I cried out,

“I am cut off from the Lord!”

But you heard my cry for mercy

and answered my call for help.

23Love the Lord, all you godly ones!

For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,

but he harshly punishes the arrogant.

24So be strong and courageous,

all you who put your hope in the Lord!