Psalm 4
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Psalm 4
A Night Prayer
For the choir director: with stringed instruments.(A) A Davidic psalm.
1 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.
2 How long, exalted men, will my honor be insulted?(D)
How long will you love what is worthless(E)
and pursue a lie?
3 Know that the Lord has set apart
the faithful for Himself;
the Lord will hear when I call to Him.
4 Be angry[b] and do not sin;(F)
on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still.(G)
5 Offer sacrifices in righteousness[c](H)
and trust in the Lord.(I)
6 Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good?”
Look on us with favor, Lord.(J)
Psalm 4
English Standard Version
Answer Me When I Call
To the (A)choirmaster: with (B)stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
4 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!
2 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
3 But know that the Lord has (F)set apart (G)the godly for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 (H)Be angry,[b] and do not sin;
(I)ponder in your own hearts (J)on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer (K)right sacrifices,
and put your (L)trust in the Lord.
Psalm 4
Easy-to-Read Version
To the director: With stringed instruments. A song of David.
4 God, you showed that I was innocent.
You gave me relief from all my troubles.
So listen to me now when I call to you for help.
Be kind to me and hear my prayer.
2 Men,[a] how long will you try to dishonor me?
Do you enjoy wasting your time searching for new lies against me? Selah
3 You can be sure that anyone who serves the Lord faithfully is special to him.
The Lord listens when I pray to him.
4 Tremble with fear, and stop sinning.[b]
Think about this when you go to bed, and calm down. Selah
5 Give the right sacrifices to the Lord,
and put your trust in him!
6 Many people say, “I wish I could enjoy the good life.
Lord, give us some of those blessings.”[c]
7 But you have made me happier than they will ever be with all their wine and grain.
8 When I go to bed, I sleep in peace,
because, Lord, you keep me safe.
Footnotes
- Psalm 4:2 Men Literally, “Sons of man.” This may be a term of respect spoken to the leaders who were judging the writer of this psalm.
- Psalm 4:4 Or “Be angry, but don’t sin.” See Eph. 4:26, which is based on the ancient Greek version.
- Psalm 4:6 I wish … blessings Or “Who will show us good. Lift up on us the light of your face, Lord.”
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