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Psalm 4

To the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness (uprightness, justice, and right standing with You)! You have freed me when I was hemmed in and enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me and hear my prayer.

O you sons of men, how long will you turn my honor and glory into shame? How long will you love vanity and futility and seek after lies? Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and given distinction to] him who is godly [the man of loving-kindness]. The Lord listens and heeds when I call to Him.

Be angry [or stand in awe] and sin not; commune with your own hearts upon your beds and be silent (sorry for the things you say in your hearts). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!(A)

Offer just and right sacrifices; trust (lean on and be confident) in the Lord.

Many say, Oh, that we might see some good! Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord.

You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than [they know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.

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)