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Response
Psalm 4 is a psalm of trust written by David. The psalm is concise, comprising only eight verses (nine, including the Hebrew ascription “for the choir director, on stringed instruments, a Psalm of David”). It is divided into three sections with a “selah” (a marker for a pause or musical interlude) at the end of verses 2 and 4. In the second brief section, David proclaims, “Tremble and do not sin” «Stand in awe, and sin not: Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. », (Psalm 4:4, NASB) or, as the ESV translates it, “Be angry and do not sin.” The Hebrew word ragaz, translated as “be angry” in the ESV, can also mean “to be disturbed or agitated.” David acknowledges legitimate reasons for agitation but warns against crossing the line into sin. In the New Testament, Paul references Psalm 4:4 when providing guidance on Christian living in Ephesians 4:26.
David implores God to listen to him as He has done in the past «Hear 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. », (Psalm 4:1). David expresses concern about individuals who are unjustly treating him «O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? », (Psalm 4:2). David reaffirms his trust in God, acknowledging Him as the One who distinguishes the righteous and listens when called upon «But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: The LORD will hear when I call unto him. », (Psalm 4:3). Therefore, one may feel troubled—or evenAngry—yet, because the godly person knows that God hears and delivers, that anger should not extend to sinfulness «Stand in awe, and sin not: Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.», (Psalm 4:4). Similarly, David calls to the listener to meditate (on God’s faithfulness) quietly in the night and to be still «Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.», (Psalm 4:5).
In the final and longest section of the psalm, after reminding the listener to “be angry and do not sin,” David exhorts that we should “offer right sacrifices, and put [our] trust in the LORD” «Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.», (Psalm 4:5, ESV). Because of that trust in the Lord, the godly person never needs to fret about wrongdoers. Even when others are not showing us good, God shines His light on us «There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up The light of thy countenance upon us.», (Psalm 4:6). He is the one who puts gladness in our hearts even more than having plenty «Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.», (Psalm 4:7). We rest peacefully in the night because of Him «I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: For thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.», (Psalm 4:8).
This psalm is, among other things, a helpful reminder that we can “be angry and do not sin.” We may be upset, but we do not need to be overcome with anger.
When we trust in Him, we can express anger without sinning. Paul references Psalm 4:4, translating Hebrew ragaz to the Greek orgizo, affirming that being angry is acceptable as long as it does not lead to sin. He emphasizes the importance of not holding onto anger for too long, advising, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” «Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: », (Ephesians 4:26, ESV). David’s song likely intended for nighttime reflection, highlighting God’s provision of good rest through trust in the Lord. Paul urges his audience not to go to bed with unresolved anger. While David’s words appeal to the emotions, Paul’s message targets the intellect, both conveying the same advice: do not let anger consume you at day’s end, but instead, rely on the Lord.
Anger and faith are incompatible, as human anger does not lead to God’s righteousness «for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. », (James 1:20). Trusting in God, we can surrender anything that troubles us to Him, knowing He will manage it effectively.
