Psalms 31:17

KJV

Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, [and] let them be silent in the grave.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let me not be ashamed {H954}, O LORD {H3068}; for I have called {H7121} upon thee: let the wicked {H7563} be ashamed {H954}, and let them be silent {H1826} in the grave {H7585}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, don't let me be put to shame, for I have called on you; let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silenced in Sh'ol.

Berean Standard Bible

O 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.

American Standard Version

Let me not be put to shame, O Jehovah; for I have called upon thee: Let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 31:17 is a fervent and poignant prayer of lament and trust, wherein the psalmist, in the throes of severe distress and surrounded by adversaries, appeals to God for personal deliverance from public disgrace and for divine vindication against his enemies. This verse articulates a profound reliance on God's faithfulness as the basis for the psalmist's plea, sharply contrasting the ultimate destiny of those who faithfully call upon the Lord with the inevitable shame and silencing that awaits the wicked.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 31 is an individual lament, moving through expressions of desperate entreaty, profound suffering, and renewed declarations of trust. The psalm opens with the psalmist seeking refuge in God and appealing for swift deliverance (vv. 1-2). He recounts his trust in God from birth (vv. 5-6) and then plunges into a detailed description of his anguish, physical decay, social ostracization, and the malicious plots of his enemies (vv. 9-13). Verse 17 emerges from this crucible of suffering, following a renewed affirmation of trust ("But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God'" [Psalms 31:14](/psalms/31-14 "Psalm 31:14 - David's Trust in God")). It is a specific plea for vindication, a natural outgrowth of the general appeal for rescue, and serves as a transition into the more imprecatory and confident declarations that follow in the psalm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "shame" (Hebrew: *bosh*) in the ancient Near East was not merely personal embarrassment but a profound public humiliation, a loss of honor, and a sign of defeat, often inflicted by one's enemies. To be "ashamed" meant that one's trust in a deity or a patron had proven futile, leading to public disgrace. Conversely, vindication brought honor and demonstrated divine favor. The "grave" (Hebrew: *Sheol*) refers to the realm of the dead, a place of silence and inactivity, contrasting sharply with the vibrant life and speech of the living. For the wicked to be "silent in the grave" implies the cessation of their malicious activities, their boasting, and their power to oppress, signifying their ultimate demise and the extinguishing of their influence. This cultural understanding underscores the severity of the psalmist's plea and the depth of the judgment he seeks for his adversaries.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Trust and Vindication**, asserting that those who faithfully seek the Lord will ultimately not be put to shame, while their adversaries will face disgrace. This echoes the promise found in [Psalms 25:3](/psalms/25-3 "Psalm 25:3 - Those Who Wait for God Will Not Be Ashamed"), which declares, "Indeed, none who wait for You will be put to shame." Secondly, the verse embodies the theme of **Divine Justice**, as the psalmist appeals to God as the righteous Judge to execute recompense upon the wicked. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that God will ultimately set all things right, judging evil and vindicating the righteous, as seen in passages like [Psalm 58](/psalms/58 "Psalm 58 - A Prayer for Justice Against the Wicked"). Lastly, it sharply draws a **Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked**, depicting their divergent destinies: the faithful are preserved from shame and experience God's deliverance, while the wicked are destined for public disgrace and ultimate silence in death, a theme powerfully articulated in [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** This term (H954) signifies more than mere personal embarrassment; it denotes public disgrace, humiliation, and defeat, particularly at the hands of adversaries. For the psalmist, to be "ashamed" would mean that his trust in God had proven unfounded, leading to a public loss of honor. His prayer is a plea for God to act in a way that upholds His own faithfulness and prevents this public humiliation, aligning with the root meaning of "to pale" or be "disappointed."
* **Called upon (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This verb (H7121) means "to cry out," "to invoke," or "to summon." It indicates a deep, earnest, and active seeking of God's presence and intervention. The phrase "for I have called upon thee" serves as the foundational reason for the psalmist's plea, highlighting his faithful relationship with God and his active reliance on divine help as the basis for expecting vindication, reflecting the idea of "addressing by name" or "proclaiming."
* **Silent (Hebrew, _dâmam'_):** In this context, "silent" (H1826) means to be still, to cease, or to be cut off. Applied to the wicked in the grave, it refers to the cessation of their speech, their malicious activities, and ultimately their life. It powerfully signifies the end of their plots, their boasting, and their power to oppress, emphasizing their complete defeat and demise, aligning with the root meaning "to be dumb" or "to stop."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let me not be ashamed, O LORD;":** This is a passionate and direct plea to God for intervention. The psalmist desires to be preserved from public disgrace and defeat at the hands of his enemies, trusting that God will uphold his honor and righteousness. It reflects a deep concern for his reputation and a reliance on God's faithfulness.
* **"for I have called upon thee:":** This clause provides the justification and basis for the psalmist's petition. His active and consistent reliance on God through prayer is presented as the reason why he expects divine vindication. It underscores the covenant relationship and the principle that those who seek God will not be disappointed.
* **"let the wicked be ashamed, [and]":** This is an imprecation, a direct request for divine justice against his adversaries. The psalmist asks that the very disgrace and defeat that his enemies intend for him should instead be turned back upon them, demonstrating God's righteous judgment.
* **"let them be silent in the grave.":** This is the ultimate expression of the wicked's defeat and the finality of their judgment. Their malicious activities, their boasts, and their power to oppress will cease entirely, signifying their complete demise and the extinguishing of their influence in the realm of the dead (Sheol).

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 31:17 employs several powerful literary devices. Most prominently, it utilizes **antithetical parallelism**, where the psalmist's desired outcome ("Let me not be ashamed") is directly contrasted with the fate he wishes upon the wicked ("let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave"). This stark contrast highlights the divergent destinies of the righteous and the unrighteous, emphasizing God's role as a discerning judge. The latter half of the verse also functions as a clear **imprecation**, a prayer for judgment upon enemies. This is a common feature in the Psalms, reflecting a profound desire for divine justice to prevail over injustice and malice. Furthermore, the phrase "silent in the grave" uses **metonymy**, where "grave" (Sheol) stands for death itself, and "silent" is **symbolic** of the complete cessation of activity, speech, and power that accompanies ultimate defeat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical truth that God is the ultimate vindicator of the righteous and the righteous judge of the wicked. It underscores the profound security found in trusting God, asserting that those who faithfully call upon Him will never be put to shame. This promise is not merely about personal reputation but about the integrity of God's character and His covenant faithfulness. The psalmist's plea for the wicked to be silenced in the grave reflects a deep longing for God's justice to be fully realized, where evil is definitively overcome and its power extinguished. It affirms that, while the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, their triumph is fleeting, and God ensures their ultimate reckoning. This theological framework provides immense comfort and hope for believers facing persecution or injustice, reminding them that their cries to God are heard and that His justice will ultimately prevail.

* [Psalms 25:3](/psalms/25-3 "Psalm 25:3 - Those Who Wait for God Will Not Be Ashamed")
* [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - Whoever Believes in Him Will Not Be Put to Shame")
* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance Is Mine, and Recompense")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 31:17 offers profound encouragement and a model for prayer for believers navigating times of distress, opposition, or injustice. It reminds us that our first and most effective recourse in the face of shame or attack is to earnestly call upon the Lord. Our faithful prayers are not in vain; they are the very basis upon which we can expect God's intervention and vindication. This verse invites us to cultivate a deep trust in God's character, believing that He is faithful to uphold His own and will ultimately defend those who take refuge in Him. While we may experience temporary difficulties or even public scorn, God's ultimate plan is to bring honor and justice to His children. Furthermore, it affirms God's unwavering role as the righteous judge. Even when the wicked appear to prosper or when justice seems delayed, we can rest assured that God sees, God hears, and God will act to silence malicious endeavors and bring about His perfect will. This prayer serves as a powerful reminder to align our hearts with God's justice, not seeking personal vengeance, but longing for His righteous rule to be established in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's declaration, "for I have called upon thee," inform your own prayers in times of distress, encouraging you to persist in seeking God's face?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to feel "ashamed" in your faith journey or in the face of worldly opposition, and how does this verse encourage you to trust in God's ultimate vindication?**
* **What does it mean for you to trust God's justice, even when the wicked seem to prosper or when His judgment appears delayed, and how can this verse strengthen your resolve?**

### FAQ
**Question: Is it appropriate for believers to pray imprecatory prayers like "let the wicked be ashamed"?**

Answer: Imprecatory prayers, common in the Psalms, are requests for God's divine justice against the wicked, rather than expressions of personal vengeance. They reflect a deep longing for God's righteous rule to be established and for evil to be defeated. These prayers are rooted in a profound belief in God as the ultimate Judge and a yearning for His kingdom to come. While New Testament believers are called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), the imprecatory psalms still serve a vital theological purpose. They affirm that God is just and will ultimately hold evil accountable. They express a righteous indignation against sin and injustice, entrusting the execution of that justice entirely to God. They are less about personal retribution and more about the vindication of God's name and His righteous cause in a world marred by sin. Even Jesus, while teaching love for enemies, also spoke of judgment against unrepentant cities and individuals, as seen throughout [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees").

**Question: What is the significance of "silent in the grave" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "silent in the grave" carries profound significance, referring to the ultimate and complete defeat of the wicked. "Grave" here translates the Hebrew word *Sheol*, which is the common biblical term for the realm of the dead, often depicted as a place of darkness, inactivity, and silence. For the wicked to be "silent in the grave" means that their malicious activities, their boasts, their plots, and their power to oppress are brought to a definitive and permanent halt. It signifies their utter powerlessness and the cessation of their influence. This imagery contrasts sharply with the vibrant life and continued praise of the righteous. It is a powerful affirmation of God's justice, ensuring that the wicked's temporary triumph will ultimately give way to their complete and irreversible demise, allowing the righteous to find peace and vindication.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 31:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Though innocent, Jesus willingly endured the ultimate shame and public disgrace on the cross, becoming a spectacle of humiliation for the sins of humanity ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")). He cried out to the Father in His distress, just as the psalmist did, demonstrating His perfect reliance and trust. Yet, God the Father did not allow His Holy One to be ultimately "ashamed" or remain "silent in the grave." Instead, God powerfully vindicated Jesus through His glorious resurrection, proving His righteousness and triumphing over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")). The resurrection of Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the prayer for the wicked to be "silent in the grave," as Jesus disarmed and triumphed over the principalities and powers, silencing the ultimate "wicked" (Satan, sin, and death) in their own domain ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His victory, Christ ensures that all who call upon His name will never be put to shame, but will share in His vindication and eternal glory ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - Whoever Believes in Him Will Not Be Put to Shame"); [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and in Him, the righteous are eternally delivered from shame, while all evil is ultimately silenced.

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

Psalms 25:2

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

Psalms 25:3

Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

Jeremiah 20:11

But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: [their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

Psalms 115:17

The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

Psalms 35:26

Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.

Psalms 34:5

They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

Isaiah 41:11

Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.