Psalms 31:17

17 Lord, I have cried out to you. Don't let me be put to shame. But let sinners be put to shame. Let them lie silent in the grave.

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 whole life is in your hands. Save me from my enemies. Save me from those who are chasing me.

16 Let your face smile on me with favor. Save me because your love is faithful.

17 Lord, I have cried out to you. Don't let me be put to shame. But let sinners be put to shame. Let them lie silent in the grave.

18 Their lips tell lies. Let them be silenced. They speak with pride against those who do right. They make fun of them.

19 How great your goodness is! You have stored it up for those who have respect for you. While other people watch, you give it to those who run to you for safety.