Psalm 31

1In you, O Lord, I take refuge; be put to shame. in your faithfulness; 2incline to me your ear. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a rock of defence, a fortified house, to save me. 3For my rock and my fortress are you; me and guide me so your name will be honoured. 4Draw me out of the net they have hid for me, for you yourself are my refuge. 5Into your hand I commend my spirit: you ransom me, Lord, faithful God. 6I hate those devoted to worthless idols; I trust in the . Lord 7I will rejoice and be glad in your love, because you have looked on my misery, and cared for me in my distress. 8You have not given me into the enemy’s hand, you have set my feet in a spacious place. 9Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am distressed; my eye is wasted away with sorrow. 10For my life is consumed with grief, and my years with sighing. My strength is broken with misery, my bones waste away. 11The scorn of all my foes, the butt of my neighbours am I, a terror to my acquaintance. At the sight of me in the street away. 12I am clean forgotten like the dead, am become like a ruined vessel. 13I hear the whispers of many – on every side – me, to take my life. 14But my trust is in you, Lord. You are my God,’ I say; 15my times are in your hand, save me from the hand of the foes who pursue me. 16Make your face to shine on your servant, save me in your love. 17Put me not, O , Lordto shame, for I have called upon you. the wicked be put to shame in Sheol. 18Strike the false lips dumb, that speak proudly against the righteous with haughtiness and contempt. 19How great is the goodness you have treasured for those who revere you, and wrought for those who take refuge in you, in plain sight of all! 20In your sheltering wings you hide them from plottings of people, you keep them safe in a bower from the chiding of tongues. 21Blest be the Lord for the wonderful love he has shown me in time of distress. 22For I had said in panic, I am driven clean out of your sight.’ But you heard my plea, when I cried to you for help. 23Love the Lord, all you faithful; the Lord protects the loyal, but repays the haughty in full.