Psalms 31 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

In you, Yahweh, I have taken shelter. Never let me be put to shame. In your justice, set me free.

Lean down and listen to me. Come quickly — rescue me. Be my rock-fortress, a stronghold where I am saved.

Yes, you are my rock and my fortress. For the sake of your name, lead me and guide me.

Pull me free from the net they have hidden for me, for you are my shelter.

Into your hands I place my spirit. You have redeemed me, Yahweh, God of truth.

I despise those who cling to worthless idols, but I trust in Yahweh.

I will be glad and rejoice in your faithful love, because you saw my suffering, you knew the anguish of my soul.

You did not hand me over to my enemy. You set my feet in an open place.

Show me your undeserved kindness, Yahweh, because I am in distress. My eyes are worn out from grief, my soul and my body wasting away.

My life is consumed by sorrow and my years by groaning. My strength fails because of my misery, and my bones are wasting away.

Because of all my enemies, I have become an object of scorn, especially to my neighbors. My friends are horrified by me. Those who see me on the street run from me.

I am forgotten, like someone who has died — gone from memory. I have become like a broken jar, thrown away.

I hear the whispered threats of many. Terror closes in on every side. They conspire together against me, plotting to take my life.

But I — I trust in you, Yahweh. I say, "You are my God."

My times are in your hands. Rescue me from my enemies, from those who hunt me down.

Let your face shine on your servant. Save me through your faithful love.

Yahweh, do not let me be put to shame, for I have called out to you. Let the wicked be put to shame instead; let them fall silent in the grave.

Let their lying lips be silenced — those that speak with arrogance against the just, with contempt and disdain.

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who stand in awe of you, that you lavish on those who take shelter in you, right in front of everyone watching.

In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the schemes of men. You keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.

Praise Yahweh! His faithful love toward me was extraordinary when I was in a city under siege.

In my panic I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" But you heard my desperate cry when I called out to you for help.

Love Yahweh, all of you who are devoted to him. Yahweh protects the faithful but pays back the arrogant in full.

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all of you who wait with hope for Yahweh.