Psalm 4

A Night Prayer

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

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 ones,[b] 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[c] and do not sin;(F)
reflect in your heart while on your bed and be silent.(G) Selah
Offer sacrifices in righteousness[d](H)
and trust in the Lord.(I)

Many are asking, “Who can show us anything good?”
Let the light of your face shine on us, 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. 4:1 Or God of my righteousness
  2. 4:2 Lit long, sons of a man
  3. 4:4 Or Tremble
  4. 4:5 Or Offer right sacrifices

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