CHAPTER 31
For the choirmaster.
A Psalm
of David.
In You,
O LORD,
I take refuge;
let me never
be put to shame;
save me
by Your righteousness.
Incline
Your ear
to me;
come quickly
to my rescue.
Be
my
rock
of refuge,
the stronghold
of my deliverance.
I will be glad
and rejoice
in Your loving devotion,
for
You have seen
my affliction;
You have known
the anguish
of my soul.
Be merciful to me,
O LORD,
for
I am in distress;
my eyes
fail
from sorrow,
my soul
and body as well.
For
my life
is consumed
with grief
and my years
with groaning;
my iniquity
has drained
my strength
and my bones
are wasting away.
Among all
my enemies
I am
a disgrace
and among my neighbors
all the more.
I am dreaded
by my friends—
they flee
when they see
me
on the street.
For
I hear
the slander
of many;
there is terror
on every side.
They conspire
against me
and plot
to take
my life.
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.
May lying
lips
be silenced,
which speak
with arrogance
against
the righteous,
full of pride
and contempt.
How
great
is Your goodness
which
You have laid up
for those who fear You,
and bestowed
on those who take refuge
in You
in the sight of
the sons
of men.
You hide them
in the secret place
of Your presence
from the schemes
of men.
You conceal them
in Your shelter
from accusing
tongues.
In 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.