Psalm chapter 4
English Standard Version
1Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! 2O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah 3But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah 5Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 6There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!" 7You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
New International Version
1For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 2How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods
3Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
New American Standard Bible
1 Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. 2You sons of man, how long will my honor be treated as an insult? How long will you love what is worthless and strive for a lie? Selah 3But know that the Lord has set apart the godly person for Himself; The Lord hears when I call to Him. 4 Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah 5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the Lord. 6Many are saying, 'Who will show us anything good?' Lift up the light of Your face upon us, Lord! 7You have put joy in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine are abundant. 8In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, Lord, have me dwell in safety.
Christian Standard Bible
New Living Translation
2How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies? Interlude 3You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him.
King James Version
New King James Version
5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. 7You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. 8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
What does Psalm chapter 4 mean?
Psalm 4 is inspired by the same circumstances as Psalm 3. David's rebellious son, Absalom, has forced David to flee for his life (2 Samuel 15:13–14).The choirmaster was the minister of music in the tabernacle or temple; this role is mentioned in the titles of fifty-five psalms.
David begins by praying for grace. He scolds those who oppose him, since they have followed the manipulation of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:6). Even as David recognizes their betrayal, he expresses confidence that God has called him. This is both reassurance to David, and a warning to his enemies (Psalm 4:1–3).
Turning to his own followers, David warns against letting emotion drag a person into sin. Even in dire circumstances (Psalm 3:1), believers should not allow their feelings to override their faith. The Hebrew word referring to anger here more literally refers to trembling, shaking, or agitation. Paul famously refers to this when discussing anger (Ephesians 4:26). David's immediate meaning involves more than uncontrolled rage. It's important to honor God in humility and faith, rather than letting anger—even righteous anger—lead a person into sin (Psalm 4:4–5).
The end of this psalm praises God for His encouragement. David notes that he has immense joy, thanks to the Lord. Joy is not always the same as happiness, nor does it always come from happy circumstances (James 1:2–4; Luke 6:22–23). Rather, it's an underlying sense of trust and reassurance, knowing that God is ultimately in control (Psalm 4:6–8).
