Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 31

Faith and Prayer in Times of TroubleThis section teaches that faith and prayer must go together. When we truly believe, we will pray, and when we pray, we should believe, because it is the prayer of faith that brings results. David gives us an example of how to trust God and seek Him when we are in distress.v. 1–2: David is in trouble and prays earnestly for God’s help. He asks God to deliver him from his enemies and to end their persecution. David wants God to listen to his prayers and rescue him quickly, because waiting too long would make it hard for him to keep trusting. He also asks God to be his “strong rock” and “house of defense”—a safe place where he can find shelter and protection (Proverbs 18:10 ).

v. 3–4: David wants God to guide him and help him make wise choices. He prays, Lord, lead me and guide me (Psalm 31:3 ), so that he will not do anything wrong or foolish. David also asks God to save him from the traps his enemies have secretly set for him. He trusts God to keep him from falling into their plans.

v. 5: David puts his life in God’s hands, saying, Into thy hands I commit my spirit . If he is about to die, he trusts God to take care of his soul. Jesus also used these words on the cross (Luke 23:46 ). David teaches us that even in trouble or at the point of death, we should give our souls to God because He is the one who created and redeemed us (2 Timothy 1:12 ).

v. 6: David says he hates the ways of those who trust in “lying vanities”—idols or superstitions. He does not depend on things like false gods, magic, or his own strength. David trusts in the Lord

v. 7: Even when things are hard, David finds joy in God’s mercy. He is glad and rejoices because he knows God’s kindness is enough to give him hope and comfort, even in grief.

v. 8: David remembers how God has helped him before. God saw his troubles and understood everything he was going through. God protected his soul during difficult times and did not let him fall into the hands of his enemies. Instead, God gave him freedom and safety (1 Samuel 23:7 ). These experiences remind David—and us—that we can trust God in every trouble, because God is always able to save and deliver.

Sorrowful Complaints; Humble and Believing PrayerIn this section, David turns from asking for God’s justice to asking for God’s mercy. He describes how much he is suffering and pleads with God to look on his misery and help him. Even though David is surrounded by trouble, he still trusts in God and brings his problems to Him with faith and humility.v. 9–10: David cries out, Have mercy upon me, O Lord

v. 11–12: David is lonely and rejected. His friends and acquaintances are afraid to be seen with him. He says, I am a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel (Psalm 31:11–12 ). The people who once respected him now avoid him, so he feels abandoned and worthless.

v. 13: David’s enemies are plotting against his life. He hears people speaking lies and slanders about him. Fear is everywhere, and his enemies are coming together to destroy him. He says, For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life .

v. 14–15: Even with all these problems, David still trusts God. He says, But I trusted in thee, O Lord

v. 15–16: David asks God to save him from his enemies and to show him favor. He prays, Deliver me from the hand of mine enemies and Make thy face to shine upon thy servant (Psalm 31:15–16 ). David knows that God’s kindness can bring joy even during trouble.

v. 17–18: David prays that he would not be ashamed for trusting in God, and that his enemies, who spread lies and insults, would be silenced. He says, Let me not be ashamed, O Lord

Triumphant PraiseIn these verses, David celebrates God’s wonderful goodness and faithfulness. He looks at how God cares for all His people, remembers how God has helped him personally, and encourages everyone who trusts in God to keep loving and hoping in Him. David’s words help us see that God’s kindness is greater than any trouble we face.v. 19–20: David praises God’s amazing goodness to those who fear and trust Him. He says, O how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men (Psalm 31:19 ). God’s kindness is like a treasure, saved for His people both now and forever (1 Peter 1:4 ). God protects those who trust Him, hiding them from danger and from people who speak against them. David says, Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence (Psalm 31:20 ). God keeps His people safe, even when others are proud or use their words to hurt.

v. 21–22: David thanks God for showing him special kindness. He says, Blessed be the Lord

v. 23: David tells all God’s people to love the Lord

v. 24: Finally, David urges everyone who hopes in God to be brave. He says, Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord