4
To the director: With stringed instruments. A song of David.
1 God, you showed that I was innocent.
You gave me relief from all my troubles.
So listen to me now when I call to you for help.
Be kind to me and hear my prayer.
2 Men,* how long will you try to dishonor me?
Do you enjoy wasting your time searching for new lies against me?
Selah
3 You can be sure that anyone who serves the LORD faithfully is special to him.
The LORD listens when I pray to him.
4 Tremble with fear, and stop sinning.†
Think about this when you go to bed, and calm down.
Selah
5 Give the right sacrifices to the LORD,
and put your trust in him!
6 Many people say, “I wish I could enjoy the good life.
LORD, give us some of those blessings.”‡
7 But you have made me happier than they will ever be with all their wine and grain.
8 When I go to bed, I sleep in peace,
because, LORD, you keep me safe.
* 4:2 Men Literally, “Sons of man.” This may be a term of respect spoken to the leaders who were judging the writer of this psalm. † 4:4 Or “Be angry, but don’t sin.” See Eph. 4:26, which is based on the ancient Greek version. ‡ 4:6 I wish … blessings Or “Who will show us good. Lift up on us the light of your face, LORD.”