Psalms 4:4

4 Tremble and[a] do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

Psalms 4:4 in Other Translations

KJV
4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
ESV
4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
NLT
4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude
MSG
4 Complain if you must, but don't lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.
CSB
4 Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart 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 How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods
3 Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.
4 Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD.
6 Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Ephesians 4:26*
  • 2. Psalms 63:6; Daniel 2:28; Psalms 77:6

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "In your anger" (see Septuagint)
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