Psalms

Chapter 4

Peace Through Righteousness and Trust

The psalmist appeals to God for mercy, recalling how the LORD enlarged him when in distress. He condemns those who turn his glory to shame and love vanity and falsehood. He declares that God sets apart the godly for Himself and will hear their cries, calling all to stand in awe and sin not. Those who seek the LORD's light and offer righteous sacrifices find gladness in their hearts and dwell in safety, able to lie down in peace.

Petition for mercyCondemnation of falsehoodGod's protectionPeace and safety

¹Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

²O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.

³But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

⁴Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

⁵Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

⁶There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

⁷Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

⁸I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

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