Psalms 31:10
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For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
It is probable that David penned this psalm when he was persecuted by Saul; some passages in it agree particularly to the narrow escapes he had, at Keilah (Sa1 23:13), then in the wilderness of Maon, when Saul marched on one side of the hill and he on the other, and, soon after, in the cave in the wilderness of En-gedi; but that it was penned upon any of those occasions we are not told. It is a mixture of prayers, and praises, and professions of confidence in God, all which do well together and are helpful to one another. I. David professes his cheerful confidence in God, and, in that confidence, prays for deliverance out of his present troubles (Psa 31:1-8). II. He complains of the very deplorable condition he was in, and, in the sense of his calamities, still prays that God would graciously appear for him against his persecutors (Psa 31:9-18). III. He concludes the psalm with praise and triumph, giving glory to God, and encouraging himself and others to trust in him (Psa 31:19-24). To the chief musician. A psalm of David.
Open source ↗31:10 wasting away from within: This is a powerful description of how despair takes a toll on our physical well-being.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
There is no soundness in my body because of Your anger; there is no rest in my bones because of my sin.
From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair.
So He ended their days in futility, and their years in sudden terror.
I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.
You discipline and correct a man for his iniquity, consuming like a moth what he holds dear; surely each man is but a vapor. Selah
I sigh when food is put before me, and my groans pour out like water.
How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?
Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.