In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "put to confusion" (or "shame") isn't just about embarrassment; it's about being utterly discredited and proven wrong in the eyes of the world. The psalmist isn't just asking for personal comfort, but for vindication, that their profound trust in God will be undeniably proven right, leaving no room for doubt or mockery from enemies.
In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens with the psalmist declaring his deep trust in God, a refuge he's relied on throughout his life, even from youth. He borrows these powerful opening words from an earlier psalm, indicating a time of great personal distress and possibly old age. The context suggests a seasoned believer facing renewed or intensified trials, praying that his lifelong faith won't end in disappointment or shame.
When life feels like a storm, where do you find shelter? This psalm speaks of a refuge that isn't just for emergencies, but a permanent home.
The opening words of Psalm 71 aren't just a fleeting plea; they're a declaration of a deep, abiding trust. The psalmist says, 'In you, O LORD, do I take refuge.' The Hebrew word for 'refuge' here implies more than just a quick escape. It suggests a safe place, a haven, even a sanctuary.
This isn't a temporary fix for a crisis. The commentary suggests this psalm might have been written in old age, reflecting a lifetime of seeking shelter in God. Think of it like this: God isn't just an emergency bunker; He's a permanent residence. From youth to old age, He is the constant place of safety.
The way this verse is adapted from Psalm 31 shows a deliberate emphasis. Instead of just a 'strong rock,' the phrasing in Psalm 71 can lean towards 'a rock of habitation.' This paints a picture of God as a dwelling place, a home where we can live, not just visit when things get tough. It’s about resting securely in Him, day in and day out.
We've all felt the sting of disappointment or embarrassment. The psalmist prays for something radical: to 'never be put to shame.' What fuels this bold confidence?
The second half of this powerful verse is a plea: 'let me never be put to shame!' This isn't about avoiding minor embarrassments; it's about a profound desire not to be confounded or disgraced in our trust.
The commentaries highlight that 'put to confusion' is closely related to 'being ashamed.' It's the feeling when your hopes are dashed, and you realize the foundation you built on was weak. The psalmist is saying, 'LORD, my trust is in You. Don't let me end up looking foolish for believing in You.'
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This confidence stems from knowing God's character and past actions. The psalm, being borrowed from an earlier one (Psalm 31), carries the weight of experience. It’s the assurance that God's promises and His 'righteousness' (as mentioned in the variations) mean He will uphold those who rely on Him. He has 'commanded to save,' indicating His divine plan and provision are already in motion. To be put to shame would mean God’s power or faithfulness failed, which is unthinkable.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, signifying His self-existence, faithfulness, and eternal nature as the Redeemer of His people.
chasah · Hebrew Verb
A place of safety or protection, often used metaphorically to describe God's presence as a secure defense against enemies, trouble, or judgment.
bosh · Hebrew Verb
A state of disgrace, humiliation, or disappointment, often associated with the failure of one's trust or the triumph of one's enemies, from which God delivers the faithful.
This psalm, though attributed to David in his later years, particularly during Absalom's rebellion, also echoes themes found in Jeremiah's writings, suggesting it may have been used by later generations facing national crises as well.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign as King
David, the established king of Israel, experiences a period of significant distress and rebellion within his kingdom.
c. 980 BC— this verse
Absalom's Rebellion
David's son, Absalom, leads a rebellion against his father, forcing the aging king to flee Jerusalem and face intense personal danger.
c. 979 BC
David's Return to Jerusalem
After the rebellion is suppressed, David returns to Jerusalem, having faced betrayal and immense personal hardship during the conflict.
c. 600 BC - 500 BC
Jeremiah's Ministry
The prophet Jeremiah, known for his laments and prophecies of exile, lives and writes during a time of immense national crisis for Judah.
This verse is directly quoted (with minor variations) from Psalm 31:1, indicating a shared theme of entrusting oneself to God for refuge and protection from shame.
Psalms 22:5This passage speaks of ancestors who 'trusted in you and were not put to shame,' reinforcing the idea that refuge in the Lord is a source of lasting vindication.
Isaiah 49:23This prophecy assures that nations will 'know that I am the LORD; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame,' highlighting the ultimate, universal vindication found in God.
Philippians 1:20Paul expresses his hope that Christ will be magnified in his body, 'whether by life or by death,' and that 'in nothing I shall be put to shame, but with all boldness' his trust in God will be evident, echoing the psalmist's desire.
poolePsalms 71:1: "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion."
THE ARGUMENT The matter of this Psalm plainly showeth that it was written in a time of David’s great distress, and his old age, mentioned Psalm 71:9 and Psalm 71:18 which proves that it belongs not to Saul’s time, but rather to the time of Absalom’s rebellion, which happened in his old age. The psalmist, in confidence of his faith, and in experience of past favours, prayeth unto God to deliver him, but consume…
bensonPsalms 71:1: "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion."
Psalm 71:1-3 . In thee, O Lord, &c. — See notes on Psalm 31:1 . Thou hast given commandment to save me — By which he understands God’s purpose and promise, and his providence watching to execute them, all which are as powerful as a command.
The phrase "put to confusion" (or "shame") isn't just about embarrassment; it's about being utterly discredited and proven wrong in the eyes of the world. The psalmist isn't just asking for personal comfort, but for vindication, that their profound trust in God will be undeniably proven right, leaving no room for doubt or mockery from enemies.
This psalm opens with the psalmist declaring his deep trust in God, a refuge he's relied on throughout his life, even from youth. He borrows these powerful opening words from an earlier psalm, indicating a time of great personal distress and possibly old age. The context suggests a seasoned believer facing renewed or intensified trials, praying that his lifelong faith won't end in disappointment or shame.
This psalm opens with the psalmist declaring his deep trust in God, a refuge he's relied on throughout his life, even from youth. He borrows these powerful opening words from an earlier psalm, indicating a time of great personal distress and possibly old age. The context suggests a seasoned believer facing renewed or intensified trials, praying that his lifelong faith won't end in disappointment or shame.
"In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!" — The phrase "put to confusion" (or "shame") isn't just about embarrassment; it's about being utterly discredited and proven wrong in the eyes of the world. The psalmist isn't just asking for personal…
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Last reviewed October 2026