Psalm 4

A Night Prayer

For the choir director: with stringed instruments.(A) A Davidic psalm.

Answer me when I call,
God, who vindicates me.[a](B)
You freed me from affliction;(C)
be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

How long, exalted men, will my honor be insulted?(D)
How long will you love what is worthless(E)
and pursue a lie?Selah
Know that the Lord has set apart
the faithful for Himself;
the Lord will hear when I call to Him.
Be angry[b] and do not sin;(F)
on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still.(G)Selah
Offer sacrifices in righteousness[c](H)
and trust in the Lord.(I)

Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good?”
Look on us with favor, Lord.(J)

You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and new wine abound.(K)
I will both lie down and sleep in peace,(L)
for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.(M)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 Or God of my righteousness
  2. Psalm 4:4 Or Tremble
  3. Psalm 4:5 Or Offer right sacrifices; lit Sacrifice sacrifices of righteousness

Psalm 4

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

Answer me when I call to you,
    O God who declares me innocent.
Free me from my troubles.
    Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

How long will you people ruin my reputation?
    How long will you make groundless accusations?
    How long will you continue your lies? Interlude
You can be sure of this:
    The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
    The Lord will answer when I call to him.

Don’t sin by letting anger control you.
    Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude
Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,
    and trust the Lord.

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
    Let your face smile on us, Lord.
You have given me greater joy
    than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.