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Psalms 31

Psalms 31 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalms 31 gives words for seasons of fear, pressure, and shame. David turns to God as his refuge, asks for rescue, and rests his life in God's hands. The psalm moves from anguish to trust, ending with a call for courage to all who hope in the LORD.

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What happens in Psalms 31?

This psalm begins with urgent pleas for God to hear, protect, and lead. David describes deep distress, grief, and the pain of being opposed, forgotten, and slandered. Yet he keeps returning to trust in the LORD, saying that his times are in God's hands. The middle and final verses celebrate God's goodness, His hidden shelter for those who seek Him, and His faithful care in trouble. The psalm closes by urging God's people to love the LORD and remain strong and courageous.

Psalms 31 is a Davidic prayer in Book One of the Psalms, where many songs focus on personal lament, trust, and praise. It comes after thanksgiving for deliverance in Psalms 30 and before a psalm about confession and forgiveness in Psalms 32. The chapter holds together suffering and confidence, making it a strong example of turning to God in crisis.

Themes to notice

  • Refuge in GodDavid repeatedly describes the LORD as a safe place, a fortress, and a shelter from harm.
  • Trust in sufferingEven under grief, slander, and fear, David keeps placing his life and future in God's care.
  • God's hidden careThe psalm celebrates God's goodness in protecting His people and hearing them when they cry out.

Questions for Psalms 31

  • What does David's language about refuge teach about how he sees God in trouble?
  • How does the psalm move from distress to confidence without ignoring the pain?
  • What does it mean to place your times in God's hands today?

Read the full text of Psalms 31 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 31

Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge;

let me never be put to shame;

save me by Your righteousness.

2Incline Your ear to me;

come quickly to my rescue.

Be my rock of refuge,

the stronghold of my deliverance.

3For You are my rock and my fortress;

lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name.

4You free me from the net laid out for me,

for You are my refuge.

5Into Your hands I commit my spirit;

You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth.

6I hate those who cling to worthless idols,

but in the LORD I trust.

7I will be glad and rejoice in Your loving devotion,

for You have seen my affliction;

You have known the anguish of my soul.

8You have not delivered me to the enemy;

You have set my feet in the open.

9Be merciful to me, O LORD,

for I am in distress;

my eyes fail from sorrow,

my soul and body as well.

10For my life is consumed with grief

and my years with groaning;

my iniquity has drained my strength,

and my bones are wasting away.

11Among all my enemies I am a disgrace,

and among my neighbors even more.

I am dreaded by my friends—

they flee when they see me on the street.

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

I am like a broken vessel.

13For I hear the slander of many;

there is terror on every side.

They conspire against me

and plot to take my life.

14But I trust in You, O LORD;

I say, “You are my God.”

15My times are in Your hands;

deliver me from my enemies

and from those who pursue me.

16Make Your face shine on Your servant;

save me by Your loving devotion.

17O LORD, let me not be ashamed,

for I have called on You.

Let the wicked be put to shame;

let them lie silent in Sheol.

18May lying lips be silenced—

lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous,

full of pride and contempt.

19How great is Your goodness

which You have laid up for those who fear You,

which You have bestowed before the sons of men

on those who take refuge in You!

20You hide them in the secret place of Your presence

from the schemes of men.

You conceal them in Your shelter

from accusing tongues.

21Blessed be the LORD,

for He has shown me His loving devotion

in a city under siege.

22In my alarm I said,

“I am cut off from Your sight!”

But You heard my plea for mercy

when I called to You for help.

23Love the LORD, all His saints.

The LORD preserves the faithful,

but fully repays the arrogant.

24Be strong and courageous,

all you who hope in the LORD.

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