Psalms 31:20

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Psalms 31:20 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 31 is attributed to King David, who wrote it during a season of distress and persecution. Throughout the psalm, David pours out his heart to God while declaring his trust and confidence in Him. Verse 20 comes as a promise within that larger prayer, assuring the faithful that God actively shelters those who take refuge in Him.

Meaning

The verse opens with “Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence.” This pictures God drawing His people into an intimate, personal place of safety. It is not a distant protection but a close, deliberate concealment. When we seek God’s presence and place our faith in Him, He hides us from harm and danger, offering solace and security.

The phrase “from the pride of man” points to the arrogance, self-centredness, and cruelty often displayed by people. David acknowledges that God’s presence shields him from the harmful intentions and actions of the proud and oppressive. God’s protection stands in contrast to the negative influence and damage caused by prideful attitudes.

“Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion” uses the image of a shelter or tent. A pavilion signifies a place of safety, peace, and comfort. God keeps His people hidden and protected, shielding them from the troubles and conflicts of the world. Even in the midst of trials, God preserves His followers and provides them with a secure dwelling place.

“From the strife of tongues” refers to the destructive power of words and the conflicts that arise from harmful speech. David acknowledges that God guards His people from gossip, slander, false accusations, and verbal attacks. Hidden in God’s presence, believers are shielded from the harm that hurtful words can inflict.

Biblical connections

This promise echoes the broader biblical theme that true refuge is found in God alone, not in human defenses. The active verbs—hide, keep, shelter—show that God’s protection is deliberate and ongoing. The verse also implies that God’s people may face opposition from human pride and hurtful speech, but God provides a place of safety.

Application

For believers today, this verse encourages us to seek God’s presence as our first refuge in times of trouble. When we are wounded by the pride of others or by slanderous words, we can trust that God sees, knows, and shelters us. Our part is to draw near to Him; His part is to hide us securely.

Reflection

God’s protection is both intimate and powerful. He does not merely observe our struggles from a distance; He hides us in the secret of His presence. This verse invites us to rest in that shelter, confident that He who keeps us secretly in His pavilion will also guard us from the strife of tongues.