Psalm 4

Evening Prayer of Trust in God.

[a]For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

1Answer me when I call, O God [b]of my righteousness!
You have [c]relieved me in my distress;
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

O sons of men, how long will my [d]honor become a reproach?
How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? [e]Selah.
But know that the Lord has [f]set apart the godly man for Himself;
The Lord hears when I call to Him.

[g]Tremble, [h]and do not sin;
[i]Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer [j]the sacrifices of righteousness,
And trust in the Lord.

Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?”
Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord!
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than when their grain and new wine abound.
In peace I will [k]both lie down and sleep,
For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 I.e. Belonging to the choir director’s anthology
  2. Psalm 4:1 I.e. who maintains my right
  3. Psalm 4:1 Lit made room for
  4. Psalm 4:2 Or glory
  5. Psalm 4:2 Selah may mean: Pause, Crescendo or Musical interlude
  6. Psalm 4:3 Another reading is dealt wonderfully with
  7. Psalm 4:4 I.e. with anger or fear
  8. Psalm 4:4 Or but
  9. Psalm 4:4 Lit Speak
  10. Psalm 4:5 Or righteous sacrifices
  11. Psalm 4:8 Or at the same time