Psalms 4
What Happens in This Chapter
David asks God to hear his prayer when he is in trouble. He tells people to stop chasing empty, false things and to trust God instead. He says God has given him more joy than a big harvest would. The psalm ends with David lying down to sleep in peace.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
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 makes me right. When I was in trouble, you gave me room to breathe. Be kind to me. Please 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.
2People, how long will you drag my good name through the mud? How long will you love things that are empty? How long will you chase after lies? (Selah)
"Leasing" in the old wording does not mean renting. It is an old English word for lying.
3But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
3Know this: the LORD has chosen the person who loves him. That person belongs to God. The LORD listens when I call to him.
4Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
4You may feel angry, but do not sin. Lie on your bed and think quietly. Search your own heart. Be still. (Selah)
The old wording says "stand in awe." The Hebrew word means to tremble or shake. That can be from fear or from anger. Older and newer Bibles read it both ways.
5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
5Bring God the gifts that good and honest people bring. 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 ask, "Who will show us anything good?" LORD, let your face shine on us with light.
"Let your face shine on us" is a way of asking God to smile on us and be kind.
7Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
7You have put joy in my heart. It is more joy than farmers feel at harvest. They are glad when there is lots of grain and new wine.
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.
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