< Psalms 4 >
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness. Thou have enlarged me in distress. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
God, answer me when I pray to you. You are the one who vindicates me; Rescue me from things that distress me. Act mercifully toward me, and listen to me while I pray.
2 O ye sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will ye love vanity, and seek after falsehood? (Selah)
How long will you people cause me to be disgraced instead of honoring me [RHQ]? You [people] love to falsely accuse me.
3 But know that Jehovah has set apart for himself him who is holy. Jehovah will hear when I call to him.
All those who are loyal to Yahweh, he has chosen them to belong to him. Yahweh listens to me when I pray to him.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not. Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. (Selah)
When you people get angry, do not [allow your anger to control you and cause you to] sin. While you lie on your bed, silently examine what you are thinking.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in Jehovah.
Also, offer to Yahweh the proper sacrifices, and continue trusting in him.
6 Many there are who say, Who will show us good? Jehovah, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
Some people ask, “Who will allow good things to happen to us?” [But I say], “Yahweh, continue to act kindly toward us.
7 Thou have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.
You have made me very happy; I am happier than people who have harvested a great amount of grain and grapes.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for thou, Jehovah, alone make me dwell in safety.
I can lie down [at night] and sleep soundly because [I know that] you, Yahweh, will keep me safe.”