The Bible

 

Psalms 4

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1 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness; Thou hast set me at large [when I was] in distress: Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

2 O ye sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? [How long] will ye love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah

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

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

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in Jehovah.

6 Many there are that say, Who will show us [any] good? Jehovah, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More than [they have] when their grain and their new wine are increased.

8 In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; For thou, Jehovah, alone makest me dwell in safety.

   

Commentary

 

Exploring the Meaning of Psalms 4

By New Christian Bible Study Staff, Julian Duckworth

In Psalm 4:1-2, there's a foreshadowing of the Lord's severe temptations during his life on earth; it's very much like Jesus's despairing cry from the cross - "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

But then, in Psalm 4:3, there's confidence again that all is not lost, and that the Lord's love for us is powerful enough after all, to save us if we'll let him.

Next, in Psalm 4:4-8, there's a pep talk. It's pretty plain language; the genuine truth is right at the surface. It's not complicated, but it's hard to train ourselves to do these things:

- Stand in awe. Make time to focus on spiritual things.

- Sin not.

- Commune with your own heart.

- Be still.

- Sacrifice - give up things you love that lead you astray, and do what it takes to be righteous.

- Trust in Jehovah.

And then... good things will come. Spiritual peace. Dwelling in safety.

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For reference, see The Inner Meaning of Prophets and Psalms 254.

The Bible

 

Proverbs 15:9

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9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.