Psalms 31:20 - Exposition

Thou shalt hide (or, thou hidest ) them in the secret of thy presence from the pride (rather, conspiracies ) of man . Intense light forms as good a hiding-place as intense darkness. No vision can penetrate it. It is "too dazzling bright for mortal eye." Thus those whom God brings close to himself, and on whom he pours the light of his countenance, need no other protection. Their life is hid in God. Thou shalt keep them (or, thou keepest them ) secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. God keeps his own in a "pavilion," or leafy arbour, a place of coolness and refreshment, far away from the "lying lips" ( Psalms 31:18 ) and slanderous tongues ( Psalms 31:13 ) of the ungodly.