1Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.
4Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
📖 Chapter study
Summary
David cries out to God for help in the midst of distress, rebukes those who trade his glory for vanity and lies, and closes by declaring that he can lie down and sleep in peace because the LORD alone gives him safety.
Explanation
This psalm is traditionally associated with evening prayers (which is why it is read alongside Psalm 3, a morning psalm, in Jewish liturgy). It contrasts the genuine joy that comes from God with the empty pursuit of material goods — 'thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased' describes an inner satisfaction greater than any material abundance. The closing line, about lying down and sleeping in peace, became a classic bedtime prayer in several traditions. Today's application: true joy and security do not depend on accumulating things, but on a trusting relationship with God.