For the music director; a psalm of David.

31:1 In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter! Never let me be humiliated! Vindicate me by rescuing me!

31:2 Listen to me! Quickly deliver me! Be my protector and refuge, a stronghold where I can be safe!

31:3 For you are my high ridge and my stronghold; for the sake of your own reputation you lead me and guide me.

31:4 You will free me from the net they hid for me, for you are my place of refuge.

31:5 Into your hand I entrust my life; you will rescue me, O Lord, the faithful God.

31:6 I hate those who serve worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.

31:7 I will be happy and rejoice in your faithfulness, because you notice my pain and you are aware of how distressed I am.

31:8 You do not deliver me over to the power of the enemy; you enable me to stand in a wide open place.

31:9 Have mercy on me, for I am in distress! My eyes grow dim from suffering. I have lost my strength.

31:10 For my life nears its end in pain; my years draw to a close as I groan. My strength fails me because of my sin, and my bones become brittle.

31:11 Because of all my enemies, people disdain me; my neighbors are appalled by my suffering — those who know me are horrified by my condition; those who see me in the street run away from me.

31:12 I am forgotten, like a dead man no one thinks about; I am regarded as worthless, like a broken jar.

31:13 For I hear what so many are saying, the terrifying news that comes from every direction. When they plot together against me, they figure out how they can take my life.

31:14 But I trust in you, O Lord! I declare, “You are my God!”

31:15 You determine my destiny! Rescue me from the power of my enemies and those who chase me.

31:16 Smile on your servant! Deliver me because of your faithfulness!

31:17 O Lord, do not let me be humiliated, for I call out to you! May evil men be humiliated! May they go wailing to the grave!

31:18 May lying lips be silenced — lips that speak defiantly against the innocent with arrogance and contempt!

31:19 How great is your favor, which you store up for your loyal followers! In plain sight of everyone you bestow it on those who take shelter in you.