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O God, you have declared me perfect in your eyes;[a] you have always cared for me in my distress; now hear me as I call again. Have mercy on me. Hear my prayer.

The Lord God asks, “Sons of men, will you forever turn my glory into shame by worshiping these silly idols, when every claim that’s made for them is false?”

Mark this well: The Lord has set apart the redeemed for himself. Therefore he will listen to me and answer when I call to him. Stand before the Lord in awe,[b] and do not sin against him. Lie quietly upon your bed in silent meditation. Put your trust in the Lord, and offer him pleasing sacrifices.

Many say that God will never help us. Prove them wrong,[c] O Lord, by letting the light of your face shine down upon us. Yes, the gladness you have given me is far greater than their joys at harvest time as they gaze at their bountiful crops. I will lie down in peace and sleep, for though I am alone, O Lord, you will keep me safe.

1-2 O Lord, hear me praying; listen to my plea, O God my King, for I will never pray to anyone but you. Each morning I will look to you in heaven and lay my requests before you, praying earnestly.

I know you get no pleasure from wickedness and cannot tolerate the slightest sin. Therefore, proud sinners will not survive your searching gaze, for how you hate their evil deeds. You will destroy them for their lies; how you abhor all murder and deception.

But as for me, I will come into your Temple protected by your mercy and your love; I will worship you with deepest awe.

Lord, lead me as you promised me you would; otherwise my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do, which way to turn. For they cannot speak one truthful word. Their hearts are filled to the brim with wickedness. Their suggestions are full of the stench of sin and death. Their tongues are filled with flatteries to gain their wicked ends. 10 O God, hold them responsible. Catch them in their own traps; let them fall beneath the weight of their own transgressions, for they rebel against you.

11 But make everyone rejoice who puts his trust in you. Keep them shouting for joy because you are defending them. Fill all who love you with your happiness. 12 For you bless the godly man, O Lord; you protect him with your shield of love.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 O God, you have declared me perfect in your eyes, literally, “God of my righteousness.”
  2. Psalm 4:4 Stand before the Lord in awe, literally, “Be angry.”
  3. Psalm 4:6 Prove them wrong, implied.

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)

Psalm 5[e]

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

Listen(T) to my words, Lord,
    consider my lament.(U)
Hear my cry for help,(V)
    my King and my God,(W)
    for to you I pray.

In the morning,(X) Lord, you hear my voice;
    in the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly.(Y)
For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
    with you, evil people(Z) are not welcome.
The arrogant(AA) cannot stand(AB)
    in your presence.
You hate(AC) all who do wrong;
    you destroy those who tell lies.(AD)
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
    you, Lord, detest.
But I, by your great love,
    can come into your house;
in reverence(AE) I bow down(AF)
    toward your holy temple.(AG)

Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness(AH)
    because of my enemies—
    make your way straight(AI) before me.
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
    their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;(AJ)
    with their tongues they tell lies.(AK)
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
    Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,(AL)
    for they have rebelled(AM) against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.(AN)
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name(AO) may rejoice in you.(AP)

12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;(AQ)
    you surround them(AR) with your favor as with a shield.(AS)

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)
  5. Psalm 5:1 In Hebrew texts 5:1-12 is numbered 5:2-13.