< Psalms 4 >
1 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.
To the Chief Musician: with stringed instruments. A Melody of David. When I cry, answer me, O mine own righteous God, In a strait place, thou hast made room for me, Show me favour, and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people cause me to be disgraced instead of honoring me [RHQ]? You [people] love to falsely accuse me.
Ye sons of the great! how long, turning my glory to contempt, will ye love emptiness, will ye seek falsehood? (Selah)
3 All those who are loyal to Yahweh, he has chosen them to belong to him. Yahweh listens to me when I pray to him.
Know ye, then, that Yahweh hath set apart the man of lovingkindness for himself: Yahweh, will hear, when I cry to him.
4 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.
Be deeply moved, but do not sin, —Ponder in your own heart upon your bed, and be silent. (Selah)
5 Also, offer to Yahweh the proper sacrifices, and continue trusting in him.
Sacrifice the sacrifices of righteousness; and put your trust in Yahweh.
6 Some people ask, “Who will allow good things to happen to us?” [But I say], “Yahweh, continue to act kindly toward us.
Multitudes, are saying, Who will show us prosperity? Lift thou upon us the light of thy countenance, O Yahweh.
7 You have made me very happy; I am happier than people who have harvested a great amount of grain and grapes.
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, —beyond the season when, their corn and their new wine, have increased.
8 I can lie down [at night] and sleep soundly because [I know that] you, Yahweh, will keep me safe.”
In peace, will I lay me down and at once sleep; for, thou, Yahweh alone, wilt cause me, in security, to dwell.