PSALM 4

To the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

David prays for audience

Psalm4.1-5

4 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness (uprightness, justice, and right standing with You)!

^{2 O you sons of men, how long will you turn my honor and glory into shame? How long will you love vanity and futility and seek after lies?}

Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

^{3 But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself [and given distinction to] him who is godly [the man of loving-kindness]. The LORD listens and heeds when I call to Him.

^{4 <When you> Be angry <are disturbed> [or stand in awe] and sin not <do nor sin>; commune <ponder> with you own hearts upon your beds and be silent (sorry for the things you say in your hearts).}}

Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

^{5 Offer Just and right sacrifices; trust (lean on and be confident) in the LORD.}

Man's happiness in God's favour

Psalm4.6-8

^{6 Many Say, "Oh, that we might see some good! Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O LORD."
^{7 You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than [they know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly.

^{8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, LORD, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.}}}

PSALM 5

To the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

God favours not the wicked

Psalm5.1-6

5 Listen to my words, O LORD, give heed to my sighing and groaning.

^{2 Hear the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You do I pray.
^{3 In the morning You hear my voice, O LORD; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].

^{4 For You are not a God Who takes pleasure in wickedness; neither will the evil [man] so much as dwell [temporarily] with You.
^{5 Boasters can have no standing in Your sight; You abhor all evildoers.
^{6 You will destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors [and rejects] the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

^{7 But as for me, I will enter Your house through the abundance of Your steadfast love and mercy; I will worship toward and at Your holy temple in reverent fear and awe of You.
^{8 Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way level (straight and right) before my face.

^{9 For there is nothing trustworthy or steadfast or truthful in their talk; their heart is destruction [or a destructive chasm, a yawning gulf]; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter and make smooth with their tongue. [Rom3.13]
^{10 Hold them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own designs and counsels; cast them out because of the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.

^{11 But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.
^{12 For You, LORD, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor).}}}}}}}}}}}

PSALM 6

To the Chief Musician;

on stringed instruments, set [possibly] an octave below. A Psalm of David.

David's complaint in his sickness

Psalm6.1-11

6 O LORD, rebuke me not in Your anger nor discipline and chasten me in Your hot displeasure.

^{2 Have mercy on me and be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am weak (faint and withered away); O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
^{3 My [inner] self [as well as my body] ia also exceedingly disturbed and troubled. But You, O LORD, now long [until You return and speak peace to me]?

^{4 Return [to my relief], O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of Your steadfast love and mercy.
^{5 For in death there is no remembrance of You; in Sheol (the place of the dead) who will give You thanks?

^{6 I am weary with my groaning; all night I soak my pillow with tears, I drench my couch with my weeping.
^{7 My eye grows dim because of grief; it grows old because of all my enemies.

^{8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping. [Matt7.23; Luke13.27]
^{9 The LORD has heard my supplication; the LORD receives my prayer.
^{10 Let all my enemies be ashamed and sorely troubled; let them turn back and be put to shame suddenly.}}}}}}}}}