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Psalms 4

An evening counterpart to Psalm 3's waking: here the prayer ends in lying down to sleep in peace (v.8). It opens by asking God for relief, then turns outward to confront people who love vanity and chase falsehood (v.2), urging them to be still and search their own hearts.

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Psalms 4 (WEB)
  1. 1

    Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

  2. 2

    You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity and seek after falsehood? Selah.

  3. 3

    But know that the LORD has set apart for himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to him.

  4. 4

    Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.

  5. 5

    Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in the LORD.

  6. 6

    Many say, “Who will show us any good?” LORD, let the light of your face shine on us.

  7. 7

    You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.

  8. 8

    In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.

More than grain and wine

Verses 6-7 stage a quiet argument with the crowd asking "Who will show us any good?" The answer isn't a harvest. The speaker says God has put more gladness in his heart than others feel when their grain and new wine increase — an inner joy weighed against material plenty, which is exactly why he can sleep secure at the end.

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