Psalms 4:4

4 Let there be fear in your hearts, and do no sin; have bitter feelings on your bed, but make no sound. (Selah.)

Psalms 4:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 4:4

Stand in awe, and sin not
That is, stand in awe of God, and his righteous, judgments; be afraid of him, and tremble before him; make him your fear and your dread, and go on no longer and proceed no further in sinning against him. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, render it, "be ye angry, and sin not": which are the words of the apostle, ( Ephesians 4:26 ) ; referring to this place; and which doubtless is the reason of these versions. There is an anger that is sinful, when it is without a cause, or exceeds due bounds, and is not directed to a good end, and is productive of bad effects, by words or deeds; and when it is soon raised, or long continued; and there is an anger that is not sinful; when it arises from a true zeal for God and religion; when it is kindled, not against the persons, but sins, of men; and when it is continued to answer good purposes; as the good of those with whom we are angry, and the glory of God, and the promoting of the kingdom and interest of Christ;

commune with your own heart upon your bed:
when retired from men and business, and you are at leisure to think and meditate then reflect upon your actions, seriously consider them; ask your heart some proper and close questions; examine narrowly and thoroughly the principles on which, and the views with which, you act;

and be still;
cease from all your rage and fury against me, against the Lord, and against his people; or "say in your own hearts" F17, as follows.

Selah; on this word, (See Gill on Psalms 3:2).


FOOTNOTES:

F17 (Mkbblb wrma) "dicite in corde vestro", Montanus, Cocceius, Gussetius; "loquimini", Pagninus, Piscator.

Psalms 4:4 In-Context

2 O you sons of men, how long will you go on turning my glory into shame? how long will you give your love to foolish things, going after what is false? (Selah.)
3 See how the Lord has made great his mercy for me; the Lord will give ear to my cry.
4 Let there be fear in your hearts, and do no sin; have bitter feelings on your bed, but make no sound. (Selah.)
5 Give the offerings of righteousness, and put your faith in the Lord.
6 There are numbers who say, Who will do us any good? the light of his face has gone from us.
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