Psalms 31:19
Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that God's goodness isn't just freely given but is "stored up" like a treasure and "worked out" as a deliberate provision for those who trust Him. This implies a depth and anticipation to His blessings, revealed openly "in the sight of the children of mankind" so they can witness His faithfulness.
The Psalmist, David, is in a time of deep distress and feels abandoned by friends and surrounded by enemies. He has poured out his heart to God in prayer, seeking deliverance and protection. This verse is a fervent response, bursting forth with awe and wonder at the hidden and evident goodness of God, even amidst his current suffering.
Ever feel like God's blessings are far off, or that the world doesn't see His favor on your life? This verse speaks to a hidden treasure of goodness meant just for you.
The Psalmist exclaims about God's incredible goodness, using the phrase 'stored up' (or 'hidden') for those who 'fear' Him. This isn't about a general, everyday kindness God shows to everyone. Instead, it points to a special, reserved treasure of blessings – both spiritual and eternal – that God has purposefully set aside for His faithful followers.
Think of it like a family inheritance, secured for children by a loving parent. This goodness is kept safe with God, available when needed, and is a testament to His deep affection and paternal care for those who honor Him. It's a treasure that the world can't access or comprehend, but is eternally secure for believers.
While some of God's goodness is hidden, David also points to blessings that are openly displayed for all to see. What does this public display mean for us?
The verse contrasts the 'stored up' goodness with goodness that is 'wrought' (or 'worked out') for those who 'take refuge' in God, and this happens 'in the sight of the children of mankind.' This means God’s faithfulness and provision aren't just private experiences; they are often demonstrated publicly.
When God delivers His people, protects them, or blesses them, it’s not in secret. These acts serve as a public testimony, even to those who don't believe. It’s a powerful reminder that our trust in God is not in vain, and His actions on our behalf are visible, serving as evidence of His power and favor, even amidst the scrutiny of the world.
Understand the original words
tuwb · Hebrew Noun
God’s inherent kindness, moral excellence, and generosity. It is the overflow of His character manifested in blessings toward His creatures.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A reverential awe, holy fear, or deep respect for God. It involves acknowledging His sovereignty and living in obedience to Him.
chacah · Hebrew Verb
To find safety, protection, and security in God. It pictures God as a fortress or sanctuary against life's dangers and spiritual foes.
This verse speaks about God giving His people 'one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever,' highlighting the internal, lasting transformation that enables true fear and reverence for God, mirroring the Psalmist's focus on those who fear Him.
Matthew 5:45Jesus says God 'makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good,' showing God's abundant goodness extends to all, yet Psalm 31:19 emphasizes a special, stored-up goodness for those who fear Him, pointing to a deeper, salvific grace.
Romans 2:4This passage questions whether people despise the riches of God's kindness, forbearance, and patience, directly echoing Psalm 31:19's awe at God's abundant goodness that is stored up and worked out for believers.
1 Corinthians 2:9Quoting Isaiah, this verse states 'No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him,' which strongly parallels Psalm 31:19's idea of God's goodness being 'stored up' and worked out for His faithful.
Hebrews 11:6This verse declares it's impossible to please God without faith, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him, reinforcing the idea in Psalm 31:19 that God's stored-up goodness is for those who 'fear' and 'take refuge' in Him – actions rooted in faith.
calvinPsalms 31:19-21: "Oh 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!"
- O how great is thy goodness which thou hast hidden [648] for them that fear thee! which thou hast performed for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! 20. Thou shalt hide them in the secret [or, in the hiding-place] of thy countenance from the pride of man; thou shalt hide them as in a tent from the strife of t…
jfbPsalms 31:19: "Oh 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!"
19-21. God displays openly His purposed goodness to His people.
The verse highlights that God's goodness isn't just freely given but is "stored up" like a treasure and "worked out" as a deliberate provision for those who trust Him. This implies a depth and anticipation to His blessings, revealed openly "in the sight of the children of mankind" so they can witness His faithfulness.
The Psalmist, David, is in a time of deep distress and feels abandoned by friends and surrounded by enemies. He has poured out his heart to God in prayer, seeking deliverance and protection. This verse is a fervent response, bursting forth with awe and wonder at the hidden and evident goodness of God, even amidst his current suffering.
The Psalmist, David, is in a time of deep distress and feels abandoned by friends and surrounded by enemies. He has poured out his heart to God in prayer, seeking deliverance and protection. This verse is a fervent response, bursting forth with awe and wonder at the hidden and evident goodness of God, even amidst his current suffering.
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"Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!" — The verse highlights that God's goodness isn't just freely given but is "stored up" like a treasure and "worked out" as a deliberate provision for those who trust Him. This implies a depth and antici…
