Psalms 131
Psalms 131 is a brief, personal prayer about humility and calm trust in God. David rejects pride and restless ambition, then turns to the picture of a child resting securely with a mother. The chapter ends with a call for Israel to keep hoping in the Lord.
This psalm begins with a confession of humility. The writer says he does not lift himself up, chase high status, or reach for things beyond his calling. Instead, he describes his inner life as settled and peaceful, like a child who is content and secure with its mother. The final verse widens the message from personal prayer to a call for the whole people of God. Israel is urged to place its hope in the Lord now and for all time.
Psalms 131 is one of the Songs of Ascents, a group of psalms used by worshipers as they went up to Jerusalem. It sits near the middle of that collection and continues the movement from struggle and need toward trust and peace. In the flow of Psalms, it offers a quiet contrast to anxious striving and points to simple reliance on God.
Read the full text of Psalms 131 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.
I Have Stilled My Soul
A song of ascents. Of David.
1My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty.
I do not aspire to great things
or matters too lofty for me.
2Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with his mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
both now and forevermore.
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