Psalms 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!
Psalms 31:19
In this psalm, David sings from a place of peril and divine reliance. Verse 19 celebrates the extraordinary goodness God stores up for those who fear Him and who trust in Him in the sight of others. The language of “laid up” evokes a treasure-hoard—an abundant provision reserved for faithful people. The fear of the Lord (a deep reverence and dependence) is the posture that triggers this divine generosity. The outward mention of “before the sons of men” signals that God’s favor is not merely private comfort but a public testimony: God’s care is visible in a world that often mocks or questions faith. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern writers often contrasted human kings’ fickleness with a divine king’s steadfast generosity; here, God’s goodness surpasses human calculation and remains reliable in the chaos of life. The verse sits within a psalm of lament turned into trust, where the speaker recalls God’s past faithfulness as a guarantee for present trouble.
This verse anchors essential themes: God’s goodness as a stored, abundant, and trustworthy resource; the fear of the Lord as the posture that unlocks provision; and public testimony as a means of encouragement. It affirms that God’s generosity is not casual but carefully laid up for those who seek Him. The idea of “trust in thee before the sons of men” highlights a call to integrity—to trust God openly, not just in private piety. It also points forward to New Testament reminders that God reconciles, forgives, and provides through Christ, expanding the sense of “goodness” to ultimate salvation and blessing. The verse reinforces the link between reverence, trust, and experience of God’s benevolent presence.
Practically, this verse invites believers to cultivate a trust that translates into visible confidence in tough settings—workplaces, schools, neighborhoods where faith may be questioned. When you face pressure or judgment, remember that God has “laid up” resources—wisdom for decisions, patience in conflict, endurance for long trials. Actively acknowledge God in front of others: speak of His faithfulness at work, in family gatherings, or on social media. This discourages cynicism and encourages hopeful behavior. The verse also invites generosity: as God is abundantly good to you, you can store up acts of kindness—offering time, listening ears, or material help—to reflect His provision. In moments of fear, rehearse God’s proven care, letting confidence in His goodness shape your reactions rather than panic or self-protective measures.
Cross-References: Psalm 31:19; Psalm 23:6; James 1:17; Romans 8:32; 1 Peter 1:3-5