Psalms 119:31

KJV

I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have stuck {H1692} unto thy testimonies {H5715}: O LORD {H3068}, put me not to shame {H954}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I cling to your instruction; ADONAI, don't let me be put to shame!

Berean Standard Bible

I cling to Your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame.

American Standard Version

I cleave unto thy testimonies: O Jehovah, put me not to shame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The psalmist declares unwavering allegiance to God's revealed Word, specifically His "testimonies," coupled with a fervent prayer for divine vindication. This verse encapsulates the deep commitment of a faithful heart to God's truth, acknowledging a complete reliance on the Lord to prevent any form of shame or disappointment, whether from external adversaries or internal doubts, thereby upholding the integrity of their devotion and affirming God's faithfulness to those who trust Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 stands as the longest psalm in the Psalter, an elaborate acrostic poem meticulously structured into twenty-two eight-verse stanzas, each beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This particular verse, [Psalms 119:31](/psalms/119-31 "Psalm 119:31 - Sticking to Testimonies and Praying for No Shame"), is situated within the "Daleth" section (verses 25-32), where the psalmist expresses a profound spiritual longing and vulnerability. The preceding verses lament a soul that "cleaves to the dust" [Psalms 119:25](/psalms/119-25 "Psalm 119:25 - Soul Clinging to the Dust") and seek divine quickening according to God's Word. Despite this spiritual struggle, the psalmist reaffirms a deliberate choice to embrace and cling to God's law, making the plea "put me not to shame" a natural outgrowth of a life committed to God amidst a world that often opposes divine truth. The psalm's pervasive theme, reiterated through various synonyms for God's Word, underscores the central and indispensable role of "testimonies" in the psalmist's life, prayer, and pursuit of righteousness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, and particularly within Israelite culture, "shame" (Hebrew: *bûwsh*) carried immense social and theological weight. It was not merely an internal feeling of embarrassment but often implied public humiliation, disgrace, or the devastating failure of one's hopes and trust. To be "put to shame" could mean being exposed as foolish, weak, or having one's trust in a deity proven unfounded, especially in the eyes of adversaries or mockers. Conversely, "honor" was intrinsically tied to integrity, divine favor, and public vindication. The psalmist's prayer, therefore, reflects a deep understanding of this cultural dynamic, appealing to God to uphold their honor and integrity, demonstrating that their faithfulness to God's covenantal "testimonies" is not in vain. This plea also resonates deeply with the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where faithfulness was expected, and God's honor was intimately intertwined with the well-being and vindication of His people.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 119:31](/psalms/119-31 "Psalm 119:31 - Sticking to Testimonies and Praying for No Shame") powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **unwavering adherence** to God's Word, portraying a deliberate and persistent commitment that goes beyond mere intellectual assent to a deep, relational clinging. This active choice to "stick unto" God's "testimonies" underscores the profound value and authority the psalmist places on divine instruction, viewing it as the foundational source for life and hope (cf. [Psalms 119:97](/psalms/119-97 "Psalm 119:97 - Love for God's Law")). Secondly, the verse reveals a profound **dependence on divine vindication and grace**. Despite the psalmist's personal faithfulness, the plea "O LORD, put me not to shame" acknowledges that ultimate security, honor, and protection from disgrace come solely from God. It is a recognition that human effort, while necessary, must always be upheld by God's sovereign power and faithfulness. This theme frequently appears in the Psalms, where the righteous seek God's intervention against those who would mock their trust in Him (e.g., [Psalms 25:2-3](/psalms/25-2-3 "Psalm 25:2-3 - Trusting God and Not Being Ashamed")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stuck (Hebrew, _dâbaq'_):** From H1692, this primitive root properly means "to impinge, i.e. cling or adhere." Figuratively, it denotes a strong, determined attachment, to cleave, or be joined closely. It implies an intimate, persistent, and often covenantal loyalty, not a casual or temporary association. This same word describes a man "cleaving" to his wife in marriage, forming an inseparable bond ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man Shall Cleave to His Wife")), and for Israel to "cleave" to [the LORD their God](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Cleaving to the LORD") as an act of singular devotion and obedience. Here, it denotes the psalmist's deep-seated, intentional, and enduring commitment to God's Word.
* **testimonies (Hebrew, _ʻêdûwth'_):** From H5715, this feminine noun is derived from a root meaning "witness." It refers to God's solemn declarations, His covenant stipulations, divine decrees, or authoritative warnings. These are God's authoritative witnesses to His will, character, and truth. They are not merely suggestions but binding commands and revelations that bear witness to God's nature and His expectations for humanity, serving as a reliable guide for life.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered "the LORD" in English translations. It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One," emphasizing God's unchanging, sovereign, and covenant-keeping nature. The psalmist's direct address to "O LORD" highlights a personal, relational appeal to the true and living God, whose character guarantees His faithfulness to His promises and to those who cleave to Him.
* **shame (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** From H954, this primitive root properly means "to pale," and by implication, "to be ashamed." It also carries the sense of being disappointed or delayed. In a biblical context, it often signifies public disgrace, humiliation, or the failure of one's hope or trust, especially when placed in God. The psalmist's prayer is a plea for God to prevent any outcome that would make their faithfulness appear foolish, misguided, or unrewarded, either in their own eyes or in the eyes of others, particularly adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have stuck unto thy testimonies":** This opening clause is a declarative statement of the psalmist's personal, active, and unwavering commitment. The perfect tense of the verb "stuck unto" (dâbaq) indicates a completed action with ongoing results—a firm, settled, and persistent adherence. It signifies a conscious, deliberate choice to align one's life, thoughts, and actions with God's revealed Word, His divine declarations and precepts. This commitment is portrayed as deep-rooted and unwavering, reflecting a profound love, respect, and trust for God's truth, making it the guiding principle of their existence.
* **"O LORD, put me not to shame":** This is a fervent, direct prayer addressed to the sovereign God. Despite the psalmist's declared faithfulness and deep commitment, there is an honest acknowledgment of human vulnerability and an utter reliance on divine grace for vindication. The plea "put me not to shame" is a request for God to protect the psalmist from public disgrace, profound disappointment, or the failure of their hope. It implies a desire for God to honor their faithfulness, to demonstrate that their trust in His testimonies is not misplaced, and to prevent any situation where their devotion might appear futile or lead to humiliation, especially in the face of opposition, adversity, or the taunts of unbelievers.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that deepen its meaning and emotional resonance. **Apostrophe** is prominently featured as the psalmist directly addresses God ("O LORD"), creating an intimate, personal, and urgent tone for the fervent plea. The phrase "I have stuck unto thy testimonies" utilizes **Metaphor** and a subtle form of **Personification**, as "testimonies" (God's laws and Word) are treated as something tangible to which one can "stick" or "cleave," implying a deep, relational bond and inseparable attachment rather than mere intellectual assent. This also hints at **Synecdoche**, where "testimonies" represent the entirety of God's revealed will and character. The two clauses of the verse demonstrate a powerful form of **Contrastive Parallelism** or **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the psalmist's action of faithfulness ("I have stuck unto thy testimonies") is immediately followed by a prayer for God's responsive action ("put me not to shame"). This structure highlights the dynamic interplay between human responsibility and divine sovereignty, suggesting that faithfulness to God's Word is the basis for confidently appealing to His faithfulness to prevent disgrace. The entire verse functions as a **Supplication**, a humble and earnest prayer for divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Psalms 119:31](/psalms/119-31 "Psalm 119:31 - Sticking to Testimonies and Praying for No Shame") beautifully encapsulates the dynamic tension between human faithfulness and divine grace that permeates biblical theology. It teaches that while God calls for our unwavering commitment to His Word and ways, our ultimate vindication, honor, and protection from shame rest entirely upon His faithfulness, not our own perfect performance. This verse underscores the profound value of God's "testimonies" as the indispensable foundation for a righteous life, worthy of such deep devotion. It also affirms that those who genuinely commit themselves to God's truth can confidently appeal to Him for protection and honor, trusting that He will not abandon those who seek Him. The prayer against shame is a plea for God to uphold His covenant promises and demonstrate His justice and goodness to His faithful servants, ensuring that their hope in Him is never disappointed. It speaks to the divine principle that God honors those who honor Him by cleaving to His Word.

* [Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Cleave to the LORD")
* [Psalms 25:3](/psalms/25-3 "Psalm 25:3 - Those Who Wait on the LORD Shall Not Be Ashamed")
* [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No One Who Believes in Him Will Be Put to Shame")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Psalms 119:31](/psalms/119-31 "Psalm 119:31 - Sticking to Testimonies and Praying for No Shame") offers a powerful blueprint for the believer's walk today, challenging us to cultivate a profound and active commitment to God's Word. It's not enough to merely possess the Bible; we are called to "stick unto" its truths, allowing them to deeply permeate our minds, shape our desires, and direct our actions. This requires intentional study, meditation, and a willingness to obey even when it's difficult or unpopular. Furthermore, the psalmist's humble plea reminds us that despite our best efforts and deepest commitment, we remain utterly dependent on God's grace for our vindication and protection from shame. In a world that often mocks faith or seeks to discredit those who follow Christ, this verse encourages us to boldly pray for God's upholding hand, trusting that He will honor our faithfulness and never allow our hope in Him to be disappointed. It calls us to live with integrity, knowing that true honor comes from God alone, not from human approval or worldly success, and that our steadfastness in His Word will ultimately be vindicated by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways am I actively "sticking unto" God's testimonies in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual agreement?**
* **What specific areas of my life or ministry cause me to fear shame or disappointment, and how can I bring those fears to the Lord in prayer, trusting in His vindication and faithfulness?**
* **How does my personal commitment to God's Word influence the confidence, sincerity, and fervor of my prayers for divine intervention and protection?**

### FAQ
**Is "sticking to testimonies" about legalism or a rigid adherence to rules?**

Answer: No, "sticking to testimonies" (Hebrew: *dâbaq*) is far from legalism. While it certainly involves obedience to God's commands, the Hebrew word implies a deep, relational cleaving or clinging, similar to the inseparable bond in marriage ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man Shall Cleave to His Wife")) or Israel's singular devotion to [the LORD](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Cleaving to the LORD") their God. It signifies a heartfelt, intentional, and covenantal loyalty that flows from love and trust, not a burdensome obligation or an attempt to earn merit. Legalism focuses on external performance for self-righteousness, whereas the psalmist's adherence is an expression of profound love for God and His life-giving Word, recognizing it as the source of true freedom and flourishing ([Psalms 119:45](/psalms/119-45 "Psalm 119:45 - Walking in Freedom")). It's about aligning one's entire being—mind, will, and emotions—with God's revealed character and will, out of a desire to please Him and experience His blessing and presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Psalms 119:31](/psalms/119-31 "Psalm 119:31 - Sticking to Testimonies and Praying for No Shame") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly "stuck unto" the Father's testimonies, living a life of absolute and unwavering obedience to God's every word, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). Where humanity consistently failed to perfectly adhere to God's law, Jesus perfectly embodied it, fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Fulfilling All Righteousness")) and demonstrating the true meaning of cleaving to God's will. Moreover, Jesus, "for the joy set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross, Despising the Shame")), bearing the ultimate public humiliation and disgrace of the cross so that we, who trust in Him, would never be put to shame ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope Does Not Put Us to Shame")). His glorious resurrection was God's resounding "put me not to shame" for the Son, vindicating Him as the righteous one and demonstrating that His perfect obedience and sacrifice were fully accepted and eternally effective. Through union with Christ, believers are united with His perfect adherence and His ultimate vindication, ensuring that "whoever believes in him will not be put to shame" ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No One Who Believes in Him Will Be Put to Shame")). Our hope is not in our own imperfect "sticking unto" but in His perfect, shame-bearing, and eternally vindicated faithfulness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 8:31

¶ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;

Romans 5:5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Acts 11:23

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Proverbs 23:23

Buy the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Isaiah 45:17

[But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

Psalms 25:2

O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Psalms 25:20

O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.