Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 31:1

Deliver me in thy righteousness. For supporting thy faith, mark well whereon it may safely rest; even upon God's righteousness, as well as upon his mercy. On this ground did the apostle in faith expect the crown of righteousness 2 Ti 4:7-8, because the Lord from whom he expected it is a righteous judge; and the psalmist is bold to appeal to the righteousness of God. Ps 35:24. For we may be well assured that what God's goodness, grace, and mercy moved him to promise, his truth, his faithfulness, and righteousness will move him to perform. William Gouge.

Verses 1-3.

Shadows are faithless, and the rocks are false;

No trust in brass, no trust in marble walls;

Poor cots are even as safe as princes' halls.

Great God! there is no safety here below;

Thou art my fortress, thou that seemest my foe,

It is thou that strik'st the stroke, must guard the blow.

Thou art my God, by thee I fall or stand;

Thy grace hath given me courage to withstand

All tortures, but my conscience and thy hand.

I know thy justice is thyself; I know,

Just God, thy very self is mercy too;

If not to thee, where, whither shall I go? —Francis Quarles.