Psalm 4 Jan. 2 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David. 1Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. 2You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonour? Will you love vanity, and go seeking after falsehood?                        Selah. 3But know that Yahweh has set apart for Himself him who is Godly: Yahweh will hear when I call to Him. 4Be angry, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still.        Selah. 5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, put your trust in Yahweh. 6Many say, Who will show us any good? Yahweh, let the light of Your face shine on us. 7You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased. 8In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for You, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.   

Commentary

4:4 Be angry, and don’t sin- This verse [from the Septuagint] is applied to us by Paul in Eph. 4:26. He interprets it as meaning that anger is not in itself wrong, but because it can so easily lead us to sin, it is better to not go to sleep whilst angry. This kind of daily self-discipline is vital in the spiritual life; the Psalms often comment upon the importance of how we start and end each day.