Psalms 4:4

4 Tremble with fear and stop sinning; 1 think deeply about this, when you lie in silence on your beds.

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 How long will you people insult me? How long will you love what is worthless and go after what is false?
3 Remember that the Lord has chosen the righteous for his own, and he hears me when I call to him.
4 Tremble with fear and stop sinning; think deeply about this, when you lie in silence on your beds.
5 Offer the right sacrifices to the Lord, and put your trust in him.
6 There are many who pray: "Give us more blessings, O Lord. Look on us with kindness!"

Cross References 1

  • 1. 4.4Ephesians 4.26.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.