Bible Quiz: Psalm 31 (Multiple Choice Questions)

 

Bible Quiz: Psalm 31 (Multiple Choice Questions) 

Psalm 31 is a heartfelt prayer of trust, seeking God’s protection and deliverance in times of trouble. This quiz will help you reflect on David’s expressions of faith, hope, and reliance on God. Test your knowledge and see how well you know this powerful psalm!

 

Instructions:

Read each question carefully.

Choose the option that best answers the question.

Answers and full reference verses are provided at the end—check your understanding after finishing the quiz.

Reflect on how these verses can guide your faith today.

 

Questions:

 

1. What does David declare about God at the beginning of Psalm 31?

A) God is far away and hidden

B) God is his rock and fortress

C) God is angry with him

D) God is slow to hear prayers

 

2. David asks God to deliver him because he is:

A) Seeking riches

B) Surrounded by enemies and trouble

C) Curious about the future

D) Planning a battle

 

3. In Psalm 31, David says he trusts in God because:

A) God’s word is powerful

B) God is his hiding place

C) God gives wisdom to kings

D) God multiplies wealth

 

4. Which of these phrases is found in Psalm 31?

A) “Into your hands I commit my spirit”

B) “The Lord is my shepherd”

C) “Create in me a clean heart”

D) “The earth is the Lord’s”

 

5. How does David describe his enemies in Psalm 31?

A) Cruel and deceitful

B) Innocent and forgiving

C) Confused and lost

D) Silent and fearful

 

6. David asks God not to let him be:

A) Poor

B) Put to shame

C) Forgotten

D) Too happy

 

7. Psalm 31 expresses a key theme of:

A) Trust and refuge in God

B) Anger at God

C) Human wisdom over divine guidance

D) Prophecy about the Messiah

 

8. How does David conclude his prayer in Psalm 31?

A) By lamenting his misfortune

B) By praising God for His goodness

C) By asking for vengeance

D) By predicting disaster

 

Answers and Complete Reference Verses:

 

1. B) God is his rock and fortress

"In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me." — Psalm 31:1

 

2. B) Surrounded by enemies and trouble

"For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me." — Psalm 31:3

 

3. B) God is his hiding place

"You are my refuge and my shield; I hope in your word." — Psalm 31:20

 

4. A) “Into your hands I commit my spirit”

"Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God." — Psalm 31:5

 

5. A) Cruel and deceitful

"For I hear the slander of many; fear is on every side; while they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life." — Psalm 31:13-14

 

6. B) Put to shame

"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!" — Psalm 31:24

 

7. A) Trust and refuge in God

"You are my refuge and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me." — Psalm 31:3

 

8. B) By praising God for His goodness

"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!" — Psalm 31:14-15

 

Reflection:

Psalm 31 reminds us that no matter how overwhelming life’s troubles seem, God is our refuge and strength. Take a moment today to place your trust in Him and commit your spirit into His hands.

 

Bible Quiz – Psalm 31: Advanced “Trick the Scholar” Round

Psalm 31 is a psalm of David that combines trust, lament, and praise. This round is designed to challenge even the most careful reader of Scripture. Watch out for tricky details—the wording matters!

 

Instructions:

Read each question very carefully; the answers might not be the obvious choice.

Each question is multiple choice; pick the one most accurate according to the text.

Answers with complete reference verses are provided at the end.

Reflect on how the subtle nuances deepen your understanding of David’s relationship with God.

 

Questions:

 

1. In Psalm 31, David asks God to hide him in the shadow of His wings. What is the immediate reason he gives for this request?

A) Because he fears enemies

B) Because he wants rest

C) Because he is sick

D) Because he desires wealth

 

2. Which verse contains the subtle expression “my times are in your hand,” emphasizing God’s control over life events?

A) Verse 3

B) Verse 5

C) Verse 7

D) Verse 14

 

3. David mentions that many are “watching” him and seeking to take his life. How does he describe the nature of their counsel?

A) They plot peacefully

B) They scheme together

C) They are confused

D) They openly attack

 

4. Psalm 31 contains a famous phrase often quoted in the New Testament. Which is it?

A) “Into your hands I commit my spirit”

B) “You prepare a table before me”

C) “Create in me a clean heart”

D) “The Lord is my shepherd”

 

5. In his lament, David makes a statement about trust. Which of the following is most accurate?

A) He trusts in his own wisdom

B) He trusts in God, not in mortals

C) He trusts in the king of the land

D) He trusts in wealth and power

 

6. David acknowledges being in distress and sorrow. How does he characterize his suffering in relation to God?

A) He hides it from God

B) He pours it out before God

C) He compares it to others’ suffering

D) He blames God for it

 

7. In Psalm 31, David asks God to be gracious to him. What is the specific Hebrew idea behind this “grace” in context?

A) Favor for personal gain

B) Compassion and loving-kindness in trouble

C) Power to defeat enemies

D) Instruction in law

 

8. Which of the following is true regarding David’s enemies according to Psalm 31?

A) They are silent and do not speak against him

B) They are deceitful and malicious

C) They repent and turn to God

D) They openly confess their sins

 

Answers and Complete Reference Verses:

 

1. A) Because he fears enemies

"In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. For you are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God." — Psalm 31:1-5

 

2. D) Verse 14

"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!" — Psalm 31:14-15

 

3. B) They scheme together

"For I hear the slander of many; fear is on every side; while they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life." — Psalm 31:13

 

4. A) “Into your hands I commit my spirit”

"Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God." — Psalm 31:5

 

5. B) He trusts in God, not in mortals

"Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away. Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. I am forgotten like a dead man out of mind; I am like a broken vessel. For I hear the slander of many; fear is on every side; while they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life. But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'" — Psalm 31:9-14

 

6. B) He pours it out before God

"Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also." — Psalm 31:9

 

7. B) Compassion and loving-kindness in trouble

"Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief." — Psalm 31:9

 

8. B) They are deceitful and malicious

"For I hear the slander of many; fear is on every side; while they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life." — Psalm 31:13

 

Reflection:

Psalm 31 shows the balance of lament and trust, warning us to read carefully and reflect deeply on the psalmist’s words. Take a moment to consider: how does trusting God change your response to adversity?

This round is perfect for sharing with friends who think they know the Psalms inside out—see who truly “tricks the scholar”!

 

Bible Quiz – Psalm 31: Advanced “Cross-Reference Traps” Round

Psalm 31 is rich with phrases that are quoted or echoed elsewhere in Scripture. This round is designed to test your knowledge of related verses and spot subtle cross-reference traps. Only careful readers will get them all correct!

 

Instructions:

Each question includes a subtle cross-reference or trap—read carefully.

Choose the most accurate option according to both Psalm 31 and its biblical parallels.

Answers with full reference verses are provided at the end.

Use this quiz to sharpen your memory and understanding of Scripture connections.

 

Questions:

 

1. Psalm 31:5 says, “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” Which New Testament figure also quotes this verse at a critical moment?

A) Peter at Pentecost

B) Jesus on the cross

C) Paul in prison

D) Stephen as he was stoned

 

2. Psalm 31:1 speaks of God as a “rock and fortress.” Which other Psalm uses the same imagery but adds a subtle difference?

A) Psalm 18:2 – emphasizes God as deliverer in battle

B) Psalm 23:1 – emphasizes God as shepherd

C) Psalm 46:1 – emphasizes God as refuge in trouble

D) Psalm 91:2 – emphasizes God as strong tower

 

3. In Psalm 31:13, David mentions enemies scheming against him. Which other psalm echoes this idea but with the added trap of a misquoted detail?

A) Psalm 35:12 – “They repay me evil for good”

B) Psalm 37:12 – “The wicked plot against the righteous”

C) Psalm 55:12 – “Enemies whisper in secret”

D) Psalm 64:2 – “The wicked lay snares”

 

4. Psalm 31:14 says, “My times are in your hand.” Which book contains a verse that can be confused with this wording?

A) Proverbs 16:9 – “The heart of man plans his way”

B) Jeremiah 10:23 – “It is not in man to direct his steps”

C) Isaiah 40:31 – “They will soar on wings like eagles”

D) Daniel 2:21 – “He changes times and seasons”

 

5. Psalm 31:9 is a heartfelt lament about distress. Which of the following is not an accurate cross-reference?

A) Lamentations 3:19-20 – expresses anguish and hope

B) Psalm 6:2 – “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am faint”

C) Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry and the Lord hears”

D) Job 7:18 – “What is mankind that you make so much of them?”

 

6. Psalm 31:20 speaks of God’s goodness and hiding those who trust Him in the shadow of His presence. Which verse could trap someone by confusing “shadow of Your wings” with “covering of clouds”?

A) Psalm 36:7 – “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens”

B) Psalm 57:1 – “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge”

C) Psalm 91:4 – “He will cover you with his feathers”

D) Isaiah 25:4 – “You are a refuge for the poor”

 

7. Which cross-reference could trick someone reading Psalm 31:24, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord”?

A) Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened”

B) 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong”

C) Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage”

D) All of the above

 

8. Psalm 31 emphasizes trust in God rather than human strength. Which verse could trap someone by falsely attributing this sentiment?

A) Jeremiah 17:5 – “Cursed is the man who trusts in man”

B) Psalm 146:3 – “Do not put your trust in princes”

C) Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart”

D) Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God”

 

Answers and Complete Reference Verses:

 

1. D) Stephen as he was stoned

"Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them!' And when he had said this, he fell asleep." — Acts 7:59 (quoting Psalm 31:5)

 

2. A) Psalm 18:2 – emphasizes God as deliverer in battle

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." — Psalm 18:2

 

3. C) Psalm 55:12 – “Enemies whisper in secret”

"For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it—but it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend." — Psalm 55:12-13 (trap: similar idea, different detail)

 

4. B) Jeremiah 10:23 – “It is not in man to direct his steps”

"I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his steps." — Jeremiah 10:23

 

5. D) Job 7:18 – “What is mankind that you make so much of them?” (Not a direct cross-reference to Psalm 31:9)

 

6. B) Psalm 57:1 – “In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge”

"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge." — Psalm 57:1

 

7. D) All of the above

Joshua 1:9 – "Be strong and courageous..."

1 Corinthians 16:13 – "Be watchful, stand firm..."

Psalm 27:14 – "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage"

 

8. Trick question: A, B, and C are true cross-references

Jeremiah 17:5 – “Cursed is the man who trusts in man”

Psalm 146:3 – “Do not put your trust in princes”

Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart”

(Matthew 6:33 is related to seeking God, but not specifically about trust vs. man; subtle trap.)

 

Reflection:

This round shows how Scripture interconnects and how easy it is to misquote or confuse verses. Psalm 31 encourages us to focus on God as our ultimate refuge and reminder that careful reading deepens faith.

Sharing this with friends or Bible study groups is a great way to test not just memory, but understanding of Scripture context.