Psalms 4:4

4 Be moved with anger, and sin not; meditate in your own hearts upon your bed, and be still. 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 Ye sons of men, till when is my glory [to be put] to shame? [How long] will ye love vanity, will ye seek after a lie? Selah.
3 But know that Jehovah hath set apart the pious [man] for himself: Jehovah will hear when I call unto him.
4 Be moved with anger, and sin not; meditate in your own hearts upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer sacrifices of righteousness, and confide in Jehovah.
6 Many say, Who shall cause us to see good? Lift up upon us the light of thy countenance, O Jehovah.

Footnotes 1

The Darby Translation is in the public domain.