Add parallel Print Page Options

This is a song that David wrote.

Tell the music leader to use stringed instruments.

An evening song

God, please answer me when I call aloud for help.
You are the one who shows that I am right.
    Help me in my trouble.
    Show me that you are kind.
    Listen to me when I pray.
Tell me this, you people:
    How long will you refuse to respect me?
    How long will you love stupid ideas?
    How long will you agree with lies?
Selah.
The Lord is very kind to those who serve him.
    He has chosen them to belong to himself.
    So he listens when I pray to him.
Shake with fear and stop doing wrong things!
    Lie on your bed and think quietly about your life.
Selah.
Offer the right sacrifices to the Lord.
    Continue to trust in him.
Many people say, ‘Will anyone do a good thing for us?’
    Lord, let your face smile on us.
You have made me very happy.
    I am happier than anyone who has lots of food and wine.
I will lie down and I will sleep in peace.
You, Lord, are the one who takes care of me,
    and you keep me safe.

Psalm 4[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

Answer me(A) when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;(B)
    have mercy(C) on me and hear my prayer.(D)

How long will you people turn my glory(E) into shame?(F)
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[b]?[c](G)
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant(H) for himself;
    the Lord hears(I) when I call to him.

Tremble and[d] do not sin;(J)
    when you are on your beds,(K)
    search your hearts and be silent.
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.(L)

Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.(M)
Fill my heart(N) with joy(O)
    when their grain and new wine(P) abound.

In peace(Q) I will lie down and sleep,(R)
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.(S)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
  2. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
  3. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
  4. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)

Answer Me When I Call

To the (A)choirmaster: with (B)stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Answer me when I call, O God of my (C)righteousness!
    You have (D)given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

O men,[a] how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after (E)lies? Selah
But know that the Lord has (F)set apart (G)the godly for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

(H)Be angry,[b] and do not sin;
    (I)ponder in your own hearts (J)on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Offer (K)right sacrifices,
    and put your (L)trust in the Lord.

There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
    (M)Lift up (N)the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
You have put (O)more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound.

In peace I will both (P)lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me (Q)dwell in safety.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:2 Or O men of rank
  2. Psalm 4:4 Or Be agitated