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Psalm 4
New International Version

Psalm 4[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

1 Answer me(A) when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;(B)
    have mercy(C) on me and hear my prayer.(D)

2 How long will you people turn my glory(E) into shame?(F)
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[b]?[c](G)
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant(H) for himself;
    the Lord hears(I) when I call to him.

4 Tremble and[d] do not sin;(J)
    when you are on your beds,(K)
    search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.(L)

6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.(M)
7 Fill my heart(N) with joy(O)
    when their grain and new wine(P) abound.

8 In peace(Q) I will lie down and sleep,(R)
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.(S)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
  2. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
  3. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
  4. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)
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Psalm 4
The Message

4 When I call, give me answers. God, take my side!
Once, in a tight place, you gave me room;
Now I’m in trouble again: grace me! hear me!

2 You rabble—how long do I put up with your scorn?
How long will you lust after lies?
How long will you live crazed by illusion?

3 Look at this: look
Who got picked by God!
He listens the split second I call to him.

4-5 Complain if you must, but don’t lash out.
Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.
Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

6-7 Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say.
“More, more.”
I have God’s more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day

7-8 Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together.

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Psalm 4
New Living Translation

Psalm 4

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

1 Answer me when I call to you,
    O God who declares me innocent.
Free me from my troubles.
    Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you people ruin my reputation?
    How long will you make groundless accusations?
    How long will you continue your lies? Interlude
3 You can be sure of this:
    The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
    The Lord will answer when I call to him.

4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you.
    Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude
5 Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,
    and trust the Lord.

6 Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
    Let your face smile on us, Lord.
7 You have given me greater joy
    than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

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Psalm 4
Contemporary English Version

(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use stringed instruments.)

An Evening Prayer

1 You are my God and protector.
    Please answer my prayer.
I was in terrible distress,
    but you set me free.
Now have pity and listen
    as I pray.

2 How long will you people
    refuse to respect me?[a]
You love foolish things,
and you run after
    what is worthless.[b]

3 The Lord has chosen
    everyone who is faithful
to be his very own,[c]
    and he answers my prayers.
4 (A) But each of you
had better tremble
    and turn from your sins.
Silently search your heart
    as you lie in bed.
5 Offer the proper sacrifices
    and trust the Lord.

6 There are some who ask,
    “Who will be good to us?”
Let your kindness, Lord,
    shine brightly on us.
7 You brought me more happiness
than a rich harvest
    of grain and grapes.
8 I can lie down
    and sleep soundly
because you, Lord,
    will keep me safe.

Footnotes

  1. 4.2 me: Or “my God.”
  2. 4.2 foolish … worthless: This may refer to idols and false gods.
  3. 4.3 has chosen … very own: Some Hebrew manuscripts have “work miracles for his faithful people.”
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