TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
Complete Jewish Bible
For the leader. A psalm of David: In you, ADONAI, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your justice, save me!
Berean Standard Bible
In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness.
American Standard Version
In thee, O Jehovah, do I take refuge; Let me never be put to shame: Deliver me in thy righteousness.
World English Bible Messianic
In you, LORD, I take refuge. Let me never be disappointed. Deliver me in your righteousness.
Geneva Bible (1599)
To him that excelleth. A Psalme of David. In thee, O Lord, haue I put my trust: let mee neuer be confounded: deliuer me in thy righteousnesse.
Young's Literal Translation
To the Overseer. --A Psalm of David. In Thee, O Jehovah, I have trusted, Let me not be ashamed to the age, In Thy righteousness deliver me.
In the KJVVerse 14,333 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 31 verses 1–8
1 ¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
8 And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
Faith and prayer must go together. He that believes, let his pray - I believe, therefore I have spoken: and he that prays, let him believe, for the prayer of faith is the prevailing prayer. We have both here.
I. David, in distress, is very earnest with God in prayer for succour and relief. This eases a burdened spirit, fetches in promised mercies, and wonderfully supports and comforts the soul in the expectation of them. He prays, 1. That God would deliver him (Psa 31:1), that his life might be preserved from the malice of his enemies, and that an end might be put to their persecutions of him, that God, not only in his mercy, but in righteousness, would deliver him, as a righteous Judge betwixt him and his unrighteous persecutors, that he would bow down his ear to his petitions, to his appeals, and deliver him, Psa 31:2. It is condescension in God to take cognizance of the case of the greatest and best of men; he humbles himself to do it. The psalmist prays also that he would deliver him speedily, lest, if the deliverance were long deferred, his faith should fail. 2. That if he did not immediately deliver him out of his troubles, yet he would protect and shelter him in his troubles; "Be thou my strong rock, immovable, impregnable, as a fastness framed by nature, and my house of defence, a fortress framed by art, and all to save me." Thus we may pray that God's providence would secure to us our lives and comforts, and that by his grace we may be enabled to think ourselves safe in him, Pro 18:10. 3. That his case having much in it of difficulty, both in respect of duty and in respect of prudence, he might be under the divine guidance: "Lord, lead me and guide me (Psa 31:3), so order my steps, so order my spirit, that I may never do any thing unlawful and unjustifiable - against my conscience, nor unwise and indiscreet - against my interest." Those that resolve to follow God's direction may in faith pray for it. 4. That his enemies being very crafty, as well as very spiteful, God would frustrate and baffle their designs against him (Psa 31:4): "Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me, and keep me from the sin, the trouble, the death, they aim to entrap me in."
II. In this prayer he gives glory to God by a repeated profession of his confidence in him and dependence on him. This encouraged his prayers and qualified him for the mercies he prayed for (Psa 31:1): "In thee, O Lord! do I put my trust, and not in myself, or any sufficiency of my own, or in any creature; let me never be ashamed, let me not be disappointed of any of that good which thou hast promised me and which therefore I have promised myself in thee." 1. He had chosen God for his protector, and God had, by his promise, undertaken to be so (Psa 31:3): "Thou art my rock and my fortress, by thy covenant with me and my believing consent to that covenant; therefore be my strong rock," Psa 31:2. Those that have in sincerity avouched the Lord for theirs may expect the benefit of his being so; for God's relations to us carry with them both name and thing. Thou art my strength, Psa 31:4. If God be our strength, we may hope that he will both put his strength in us and put forth his strength for us. 2. He gave up his soul in a special manner to him (Psa 31:5): Into thy hands I commit my spirit. (1.) If David here looks upon himself as a dying man, by these words he resigns his departing soul to God who gave it, and to whom, at death, the spirit returns. "Men can but kill the body, but I trust in God to redeem my soul from the power of the grave," Psa 49:15. He is willing to die if God will have it so; but let my soul fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercies are great. With these words our Lord Jesus yielded up the ghost upon the cross, and made his soul an offering, a free-will offering for sin, voluntarily laying down his life a ransom. By Stephen's example we are taught in, our dying moment, to eye Christ at God's right hand, and to commit our spirits to him: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. But, 2. David is here to be looked upon as a man in distress and trouble. And, [1.] His great care is about his soul, his spirit, his better part. Note, Our outward afflictions should increase our concern for our souls. Many think that while they are perplexed about their worldly affairs, and Providence multiplies their cares about them, they may be excused if they neglect their souls; whereas the greater hazard our lives and secular interests lie at the more we are concerned to look to our souls, that, though the outward man perish, the inward man may suffer no damage (Co2 4:16), and that we may keep possession of our souls when we can keep possession of nothing else, Luk 21:19. [2.] He thinks the best he can do for the soul is to commit it into the hand of God, and lodge that great trust with him. He had prayed (Psa 31:4) to be plucked out of the net of outward trouble, but, as not insisting upon that (God's will be done), he immediately lets fall that petition, and commits the spirit, the inward man, into God's hand. "Lord, however it goes with me, as to my body, let it go well with my soul." Note, It is the wisdom and duty of every one of us solemnly to commit our spirits into the hands of God, to be sanctified by his grace, devoted to his honour, employed in his service, and fitted for his kingdom. That which encourages us to commit our spirits into the hand of God is that he has not only created, but redeemed, them; the particular redemptions of the Old Testament church and the Old Testament saints were typical of our redemption by Jesus Christ, Gen 48:16. The redemption of the soul is so precious that it must have ceased for ever if Christ had not undertaken it; but, by redeeming our souls, he has not only acquired an additional right and title to them, which obliges us to commit them to him as his own, but has shown the extraordinary kindness and concern he has for them, which encourages us to commit them to him, to be preserved to his heavenly kingdom (Ti2 1:12): "Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth! redeem me according to a promise which thou wilt be true to."
III. He disclaimed all confederacy with those that made an arm of flesh their confidence (Psa 31:6): I have hated those that regard lying vanities - idolaters (to some), who expect aid from false gods, which are vanity and a lie - astrologers, and those that give heed to them, so others. David abhorred the use of enchantments and divinations; he consulted not, nor even took notice of, the flight of birds or entrails of beasts, good omens or bad omens; they are lying vanities, and he not only did not regard them himself, but hated the wickedness of those that did. He trusted in God only, and not in any creature. His interest in the court or country, his retreats or strongholds, even Goliath's sword itself - these were lying vanities, which he could not depend upon, but trusted in the Lord only. See Psa 40:4; Jer 17:5.
IV. He comforted himself with his hope in God, and made himself, not only easy, but cheerful, with it, Psa 31:7. Having relied on God's mercy, he will be glad and rejoice in it; and those know not how to value their hope in God who cannot find joy enough in that hope to counterbalance their grievances and silence their griefs.
V. He encouraged himself in this hope with the experiences he had had of late, and formerly, of God's goodness to him, which he mentions to the glory of God; he that has delivered doth and will. 1. God had taken notice of his afflictions and all the circumstances of them: "Thou hast considered my trouble, with wisdom to suit relief to it, with condescension and compassion regarding the low estate of they servant." 2. He had observed the temper of his spirit and the workings of his heart under his afflictions: "Thou hast known my soul in adversities, with a tender concern and care for it." God's eye is upon our souls when we are in trouble, to see whether they be humbled for sin, submissive to the will of God, and bettered by the affliction. If the soul, when cast down under affliction, has been lifted up to him in true devotion, he knows it. 3. He had rescued him out of the hands of Saul when he had him safe enough in Keilah (Sa1 23:7): "Thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy, but set me at liberty, in a large room, where I may shift for my own safety," Psa 31:8. Christ's using those words (Psa 31:5) upon the cross may warrant us to apply all this to Christ, who trusted in his Father and was supported and delivered by him, and (because he humbled himself) highly exalted, which it is proper to think of when we sing these verses, as also therein to acknowledge the experience we have had of God's gracious presence with us in our troubles and to encourage ourselves to trust in him for the future.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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Evagrius PonticusAD 399
NOTES ON THE PSALMS 30[31].2
Not only does God free us into righteousness but also into temperance, fortitude and love. He uses “righteousness” to embrace all virtues. Perhaps he understands “Christ” for “righteousness.” “He is made wisdom to us by God and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.”
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 31
"In You, O Lord, have I trusted, let Me not be put to confusion for ever" [Psalm 31:1]. In You, O Lord, have I trusted, let Me never be confounded, while they shall insult Me as one like other men. "In Your righteousness rescue Me, and deliver Me." And in Your righteousness rescue Me from the pit of death, and deliver Me out of their company.
CassiodorusAD 585
EXPLANATION OF THE PSALMS 31:2
He rightly made an appeal for the Lord’s justice, since he knew that he would suffer at the hands of the unjust. What a truly amazing and divine exchange! He received death and gave salvation in return; he endured injuries and distributed honors; he took upon himself pain and conferred safety. He is both unique and fully devoted who offered sweet things when he received what was bitter.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 31:1 opens with a profound declaration of unwavering trust in the Lord, setting the tone for a psalm that navigates deep distress while clinging to divine faithfulness. David, facing overwhelming circumstances, expresses his absolute reliance on God as his refuge, coupled with an earnest plea to be spared from shame and to experience deliverance rooted in God's inherent righteousness. This verse encapsulates the core themes of the psalm: an intimate relationship with a covenant-keeping God, the human fear of disappointment, and the foundational hope in God's just and saving character.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The opening verse of Psalms 31 employs several potent literary devices that enhance its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent is Apostrophe, as David directly addresses God ("O LORD"), creating an immediate sense of intimacy and direct communication in prayer. The structure also exhibits a form of Parallelism, specifically synthetic, where the ideas of "putting trust" and "being delivered" are closely linked, and "never be ashamed" is the desired outcome of that deliverance, with the second clause expanding upon the first. The implied Metaphor of God as a refuge or shelter is inherent in the Hebrew word for "trust" (châçâh), which literally means "to flee for refuge." This paints a vivid picture of David seeking sanctuary in God from his adversaries. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful Petition, a direct and earnest request for divine intervention, grounded in a profound declaration of faith.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 31:1 powerfully articulates the biblical theme of God as the ultimate refuge and the cornerstone of human trust. It underscores that true security is found not in human strength, worldly alliances, or personal merit, but in the unwavering character of the covenant-keeping God. David's plea to "never be ashamed" speaks to the profound theological truth that God's faithfulness guarantees the vindication of those who trust in Him; their hope will not be disappointed. The appeal to God's "righteousness" highlights that divine deliverance is not arbitrary but flows from God's very nature—His justice, integrity, and commitment to His covenant people. This righteousness is both the basis for His judgment against evil and His saving action on behalf of the oppressed, demonstrating His active involvement in the affairs of His creation and His unwavering loyalty to those who seek Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 31:1 offers timeless guidance for believers navigating life's inevitable challenges, betrayals, and uncertainties. David's opening declaration, "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust," serves as a profound call to consciously and actively place our entire reliance upon God, rather than on fleeting human understanding or the unstable promises of the world. This trust is not passive optimism but an intentional act of seeking refuge in the Almighty, which provides an anchor in turbulent times. His subsequent plea, "let me never be ashamed," legitimizes our own prayers for deliverance from situations that threaten to bring us disappointment, humiliation, or a sense of our faith being in vain. It reminds us that it is not a sign of weakness to ask God to vindicate our trust, but rather an acknowledgment of our profound dependence on Him. Finally, the appeal to "deliver me in thy righteousness" teaches us to ground our petitions not in our own perceived worthiness, but in God's unchanging, just, and faithful character. We can confidently ask for His intervention because His righteousness guarantees His commitment to His people and His promise to act on their behalf.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does David pray "let me never be ashamed"? Is it about reputation?
Answer: While reputation might be a component, David's plea to "never be ashamed" goes much deeper than mere social standing. In the biblical context, to be ashamed (Hebrew: bûwsh) often meant to have one's hope or trust proven false, leading to profound disappointment, confusion, and humiliation. For David, if God did not deliver him, it would imply that his trust in the Lord was misplaced or that God had failed to act faithfully. This would be a spiritual disgrace, undermining the very foundation of his faith and potentially leading others to question God's power or goodness. Thus, it is a prayer for God's faithfulness to be publicly and personally vindicated, demonstrating that those who trust in Him will not be put to shame, a promise echoed in Romans 10:11.
What does "deliver me in thy righteousness" mean? Is God's righteousness only about judgment?
Answer: "Deliver me in thy righteousness" is a crucial appeal to God's character. God's righteousness (Hebrew: tsᵉdâqâh) is far more comprehensive than just His role as a judge of sin. While it certainly encompasses His perfect justice and judgment, it also refers to His covenant faithfulness, His integrity, and His active commitment to uphold what is right and just, especially on behalf of His covenant people. David is appealing to God's inherent nature to act righteously, which includes rescuing the oppressed, defending the innocent, and fulfilling His promises. He trusts that because God is righteous, He is bound by His own character to intervene and deliver His faithful servant. This concept is beautifully illustrated in passages like Psalm 143:1, where God's faithfulness and righteousness are intertwined in the act of answering prayer.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 31:1, with its profound declaration of trust, plea against shame, and appeal to God's righteousness, finds its ultimate and most perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's cry for deliverance foreshadows the perfect trust of the Son of God, who, though facing unimaginable suffering and the cross, perfectly embodied the châçâh (refuge-seeking trust) in His Father. Jesus, "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame" Hebrews 12:2, perfectly fulfilling David's prayer. His resurrection was the Father's ultimate vindication, demonstrating that His trust was never misplaced, and that God's righteousness was fully satisfied and revealed not only in judging sin but in providing salvation. Through Christ, God "presented [Him] as a sacrifice of atonement... to demonstrate his righteousness" Romans 3:25. Now, those who put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ are assured that they "will not be put to shame" Romans 10:11, for in Him, we receive the very righteousness of God 2 Corinthians 5:21, securing our eternal deliverance and vindication.