Day 147: Psalms 4-6

Trust in God, the Joy of Righteousness, and a Cry for Mercy

Psalm 4

1 Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. You have relieved me in my distress. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity and seek after falsehood? Selah.

3 But know that Yahweh has set apart for himself him who is godly: Yahweh will hear when I call to him.

4 Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in Yahweh.

6 Many say, “Who will show us any good?” Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us.

7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.

8 In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.

Psalm 5

1 Give ear to my words, Yahweh. Consider my meditation.

2 Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God; for I pray to you.

3 Yahweh, in the morning you will hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.

4 For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can’t live with you.

5 The arrogant shall not stand in your sight. You hate all workers of iniquity.

6 You will destroy those who speak lies. Yahweh abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

7 But as for me, in the abundance of your loving kindness I will come into your house. I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you.

8 Lead me, Yahweh, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before my face.

9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their heart is destruction. Their throat is an open tomb. They flatter with their tongue.

10 Hold them guilty, God. Let them fall by their own counsels; thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice. Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you.

12 For you will bless the righteous. Yahweh, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 6

1 Yahweh, don’t rebuke me in your anger, neither discipline me in your wrath.

2 Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am faint. Yahweh, heal me, for my bones are troubled.

3 My soul is also in great anguish. But you, Yahweh—how long?

4 Return, Yahweh. Deliver my soul, and save me for your loving kindness’ sake.

5 For in death there is no memory of you. In Sheol, who shall give you thanks?

6 I am weary with my groaning. Every night I flood my bed. I drench my couch with my tears.

7 My eye wastes away because of grief. It grows old because of all my adversaries.

8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for Yahweh has heard the voice of my weeping.

9 Yahweh has heard my supplication. Yahweh accepts my prayer.

10 May all my enemies be ashamed and dismayed. They shall turn back, they shall be ashamed suddenly.

Scripture: World English Bible (WEB), public domain.