Psalms · Chapter 4 of 150

Psalm 4

The children of men proved, and the happiness of godly people. · God's favour is happiness.

1To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear 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.

King James Version (1769) · public domain

About Psalms

Psalm 4 commentary

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706), public domain.

Verses 1-5

Hear me for thy mercy-sake, is our best plea. He who will not ask such blessings as pardon, and justifying righteousness, and eternal life, must perish for the want of them. Alas! that so many should make so fearful a choice. The psalmist warns against sin. Keep up holy reverence of the glory and majesty of God. You have a great deal to say to your hearts, they may be spoken with, let it not be unsaid. Examine them by serious self-reflection; let your thoughts fasten upon that which is good, and keep close to it. Consider your ways, and before you turn to sleep at night, examine your consciences with respect to what you have done in the day; particularly what you have done amiss, that you may repent of it. when you awake in the night, meditate upon God, and the things that belong to your peace. Upon a sick-bed, particularly, we should consider our ways. Be still. when you have asked conscience a question, be serious, be silent, wait for an answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence must be pan answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence only: therefore, after commanding the sacrifices of righteousness, the psalmist says, Put your trust in the Lord.

Verses 6-8

Wordly people inquire for good, not for the chief good; all they want is outward good, present good, partial good, good meat, good drink, a good trade, and a good estate; but what are all these worth? Any good will serve the turn of most men, but a gracious soul will not be put off so. Lord, let us have thy favour, and let us know that we have it, we desire no more; let us be satisfied of thy loving-kindness, and will be satisfied with it. Many inquire after happiness, but David had found it. When God puts grace in the heart, he puts gladness in the heart. Thus comforted, he pitied, but neither envied nor feared the most prosperous sinner. He commits all his affairs to God, and is prepared to welcome his holy will. But salvation is in Christ alone; where will those appear who despise him as their Mediator, and revile him in his disciples? May they stand in awe, and no longer sin against the only remedy.

Key verses in Psalm 4

  • Psalms 4:8

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

  • Psalms 4:4

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

  • Psalms 4:3

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

  • Psalms 4:1

    To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear 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.

  • Psalms 4:6

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