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 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 31 is attributed to David and is a psalm of trust. In this psalm, David expresses his confidence in God’s deliverance and protection from his enemies.

Meaning

The verse opens with a proclamation of the greatness of God’s goodness. This goodness is not God’s essential, natural goodness, which is infinite and cannot be said to be “laid up” or “wrought out.” Rather, it refers to the effects of His goodness—the specific blessings and acts of kindness He prepares and performs for His people.

The verse describes two aspects of this goodness: it is “laid up” (stored or reserved) for those who fear God, and it is “wrought” (worked or accomplished) for those who trust in Him. “Fearing God” here means having a reverential awe and respect for Him, recognising His authority and living in obedience to His commands. It is not a fear of punishment but a deep reverence for who He is. Trusting in God implies having faith in His character, His promises, and His ability to fulfil them. It involves relying on Him and entrusting our lives to His care.

The psalmist emphasises that God’s goodness is abundant and overflowing, not limited. It is specifically for those who fear and trust in Him, distinguishing it from His common goodness shown to all. The promise is that God has stored up His goodness for those who have this reverential fear of Him.

Application

Acknowledging God’s goodness is an important aspect of our relationship with God, as recognising His goodness helps us develop a grateful and worshipful attitude. When we trust in God and fear Him, others can witness His goodness at work in our lives. Our faith and reliance on God serve as a testimony to His faithfulness and love.

Reflection

The psalmist states that God’s goodness is not hidden but is manifested “before the sons of men.” This implies that God’s goodness is not merely for personal benefit but is also displayed publicly. The public nature of this goodness suggests it serves as a testimony to others, inviting them to see the reality of God’s care and faithfulness.