Psalms 31:17

17 Let me not be put to shame, LORD, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be put to shame. Let them be silent in She'ol.

Psalms 31:17 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 31:17

Let me not be ashamed, O Lord
The same petition as in ( Psalms 31:1 ) ;

for I have called upon thee;
who is nigh unto all that call upon him in truth, and is rich unto them, and has promised to help and save them; which should he not do, not only he would be made ashamed, but the promise of God would seem to fail: for the psalmist does not plead any duty of his, nor make a merit of his prayers; but has respect to the promise and faithfulness of God;

let the wicked be ashamed;
as they will be, sooner or later, of their wickedness, and of their false trust and confidence; of their being incensed against Christ, and their rage against his people, and persecution of them;

[and] let them be silent in the grave;
as all are that are there; and the sense is, let them be brought to the grave, where they will be silent, or cease ^F6; that is, from their evil words and works, and particularly from troubling the saints, ( Job 3:17 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F6 "Verbum est" (Mmd) "quod significat cessare ab aliquo opere, vel sermone", Psal. iv. 5. Gejerus.

Psalms 31:17 In-Context

15 My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.

16 Make your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your lovingkindness.

17 Let me not be put to shame, LORD, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be put to shame. Let them be silent in She'ol.

18 Let the lying lips be mute, Which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt.

19 Oh how great is your goodness, Which you have laid up for those who fear you, Which you have worked for those who take refuge in you, Before the sons of men!