Psalms
Chapter 4
David asks God to answer him and then turns to the people who are attacking his good name. He tells them that God sets apart those who belong to him, and urges them to stop, think quietly, and trust the LORD. He ends by saying God has given him more joy than a good harvest brings, so he can lie down and sleep safely.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
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.
1Answer me when I call, God. You are the one who shows that I am in the right. When I was in trouble, you gave me room to breathe. Be kind to me now, and listen to 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.
2How long, all of you, will you drag my good name through the mud? How long will you love what is empty and go chasing after lies? Selah.
"Leasing" in 1611 English meant lying or falsehood; it has nothing to do with renting. "Selah" is a Hebrew word found in the Psalms. Nobody today is certain what it meant, though it may have been a musical direction, like a pause.
3But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
3But know this: the LORD has set apart for himself the person who is faithful to him. The LORD hears me when I call to him.
4Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
4Tremble, and do not sin. When you lie on your bed, search your own heart, and be quiet. Selah.
The Hebrew word here means to shake or be stirred up. That can be from fear, awe, or anger, so the KJV says "stand in awe" while many modern versions say "be angry."
5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
5Bring the offerings that are right, 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.
6Many people are asking, "Who will show us anything good?" LORD, let your face shine on us.
7Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
7You have put more joy in my heart than people feel when their grain and their new wine come in.
"Corn" in the KJV means grain of any kind, such as wheat or barley, not the corn on the cob eaten in America today.
8I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
8I will lie down and sleep in peace. LORD, you alone keep me safe.
← → to turn the page · P for plain English · click a verse to sit with it