Psalms 4: Trusting God Before Sleep

A quiet evening plea to trust the LORD over vanity.

Psalms 4: An Evening Prayer of Peace

Following the morning confidence of Psalms 3, this chapter is David's evening counterpart, asking God to hear his prayer and challenging others who chase vanity and lies instead of righteousness. He urges his hearers to be still, offer right sacrifices, and put their trust in the LORD.


For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer.

How long, O men, will my honor be maligned? How long will you love vanity and seek after lies? Selah

Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him.

Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, search your heart and be still. Selah

Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD.

Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD.

You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound.

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

David contrasts the fleeting joy of a good harvest with the deeper gladness God has placed in his heart, then closes by lying down to sleep in safety because the LORD alone secures him, a calm echoed in <a href="/bible/bsb/psalms/chapter-5">Psalms 5</a> and <a href="/bible/bsb/proverbs/chapter-3/24">Proverbs 3:24</a>.