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

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