Psalm 4-6

New International Reader's Version

For the director of music. A psalm of David to be played on stringed instruments.

4 My faithful God,
answer me when I call out to you.
Give me rest from my trouble.
Have mercy on me. Hear my prayer.

²How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
    How long will you love what will certainly fail you?
    How long will you pray to statues of gods?
³Remember that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself.
    The Lord hears me when I call out to him.

⁴Tremble and do not sin.
    When you are in bed,
    look deep down inside yourself and be silent.
⁵Offer to the Lord the sacrifices that godly people offer.
    Trust in him.

⁶Lord, many are asking, “Who will make us successful?”
    Lord, may you do good things for us.
⁷Fill my heart with joy
    when the people have lots of grain and fresh wine.
⁸In peace I will lie down and sleep.
    Lord, you alone keep me safe.

For the director of music. A psalm of David to be played on flutes.

5 Lord, listen to my words.
    Pay attention when I mourn.
²My King and my God,
    hear me when I cry for help.
    I pray to you.
³Lord, in the morning you hear my voice.
    In the morning I pray to you.
    I wait for you in hope.

⁴For you, God, aren’t happy with anything that is evil.
    Those who do what is wrong can’t live where you are.
⁵Those who are proud can’t stand in front of you.
    You hate everyone who does what is evil.
⁶You destroy those who tell lies.
    Lord, you hate murderers and those who cheat others.

⁷Because of your great love
    I can come into your house.
With deep respect I bow down
    toward your holy temple.
⁸Lord, I have many enemies.
    Lead me in your right path.
    Make your way smooth and straight for me.

⁹Not a word from their mouths can be trusted.
    Their hearts are filled with a desire to hurt others.
Their throats are like open graves.
    With their tongues they tell lies.
¹⁰God, show that they are guilty.
    Let their evil plans bring them down.
Send them away because of their many sins.
    They have refused to obey you.

¹¹But let all those who go to you for safety be glad.
    Let them always sing for joy.
Spread your cover over them and keep them safe.
    Then those who love you will be glad because of you.
¹²Surely, Lord, you bless those who do what is right.
    Like a shield, your loving care keeps them safe.

For the director of music. According to sheminith. A psalm of David to be played on stringed instruments.

6 Lord, don’t correct me when you are angry.
    Don’t punish me when you are very angry.
²Lord, have mercy on me. I’m so weak.
    Lord, heal me. My body is full of pain.
³My soul is very troubled.
    Lord, how long will it be until you save me?

⁴Lord, turn to me and help me.
Save me. Your love never fails.
⁵Dead people can’t call out your name.
How can they praise you when they are in the grave?

⁶My groaning has worn me out.
    All night long my tears flood my bed.
    My bed is wet because of my crying.
⁷I’m so sad I can’t see very well.
    My eyesight gets worse because of all my enemies.

⁸Get away from me, all you who do evil.
    The Lord has heard my weeping.
⁹The Lord has heard my cry for his mercy.
    The Lord accepts my prayer.
¹⁰All my enemies will be covered with shame and trouble.
    They will turn back in shame. It will happen suddenly.