Psalm 4:2

Translations

Modern

How long, O men, will my honor be maligned? How long will you love vanity and seek after lies? Selah

Traditional

O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.

Literal

O sons of men, until when will my glory be shame? Will you love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah

Latin

Filii hominum, usquequo gravi corde? ut quid diligitis vanitatem, et quæritis mendacium?

Original

Hebrew

English

How long, O men, will my honor be maligned? How long will you love vanity and seek after lies? Selah

Notes

Psalms 4:2

The opponents of those who follow God rely on false beliefs, deceit, and idol worship.
my honor (or my glory): The psalmist's honor, or possibly the Lord's, is being challenged.

Psalms 4:1–8

This personal lament includes:

a prayer for rescue (Psalm 4:1)
a rebuke of the enemy (Psalm 4:2–3)
advice to the faithful (Psalm 4:4–5)
a statement of confidence (Psalm 4:6–8)

Psalms 3:1–7:17

This group of psalms moves from an orderly world to a troubled one. Psalms 1–2 describe stability. The righteous person is blessed, and the Lord’s anointed king rules with authority.

In the psalms that follow, the tone changes. The Lord’s anointed cries out for help. He faces enemies, strong opposition, and evil plans.

It even seems at times that the Lord is far away. The psalmist feels confusion and distress instead of confidence and calm.

Theme notes and profiles

David Questions and Doubt

Related verses

Proverbs 1:22
“How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?
Hosea 4:7
The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; they exchanged their Glory for a thing of disgrace.
Psalm 3:3
But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Jeremiah 2:11
Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols.
Psalm 106:20
They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox.
Psalm 5:6
You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.
1 Samuel 12:21
Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.
Ecclesiastes 8:11
When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.
Psalm 31:6
I hate those who cling to worthless idols, but in the LORD I trust.
Psalm 63:11
But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by Him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut.
Isaiah 45:17
But Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will not be put to shame or humiliated, to ages everlasting.

People

Selah: A musical or liturgical term of uncertain meaning

Glossary

David Music Neginah, Neginoth Psalms, Book of

Topics

Leasing: Falsifying Lying: The Wicked: Seek After Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Vanity: Evil People: Love Vanity: The Wicked: Love

Psalm 4:2

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