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For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David.

Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness.
    Give me relief from my distress.
    Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor?
    Will you love vanity and seek after falsehood? Selah.
But know that Yahweh has set apart for himself him who is godly:
    Yahweh will hear when I call to him.
Stand in awe, and don’t sin.
    Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness.
    Put your trust in Yahweh.
Many say, “Who will show us any good?”
    Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
    more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.
In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep,
    for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.

To the Director: With stringed instruments. A Davidic Psalm

Trust God under Adversity

When I call, answer me,
    my righteous God![a]
When I was in distress, you set me free.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

You people,
    how long will you malign my reputation?
How long will you love what is vain[b]
    and what is false?
Interlude
But understand this:[c]
    the Lord has set apart the godly for himself!
        The Lord will hear me when I cry out to him!

Be angry, yet do not sin.[d]
    Think about this[e] when upon your beds,
        and be silent.
Interlude
Offer sacrifices that are righteous,
    and put your confidence in the Lord.

Many are asking, “Who will help us to see better days?”[f]
    Lord, may the light of your favor[g] shine upon us.
You have given me more joy in my heart than at harvest times,
    when grain and wine abound.
I will lie down and sleep in peace,
    for you alone, Lord, enable me to live securely.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 Or God of my righteousness
  2. Psalm 4:2 I.e. what has no substance
  3. Psalm 4:3 The Heb. lacks this
  4. Psalm 4:4 Cf. Eph 4:26
  5. Psalm 4:4 The Heb. lacks this
  6. Psalm 4:6 Lit. cause us to see good
  7. Psalm 4:6 Lit. face