Fathers

Psalms 4

Tap a verse to read the Fathers. Press and hold, then drag, to make a card.

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. 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. But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD. There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

About · Privacy · Credits · Support VRSZ

What the Fathers say

Psalms 4:5

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

"Offer the sacrifice of righteousness, and hope in the Lord" [Psalm 4:5]. He says the same in another Psalm, "the sacrifice for God is a troubled spirit." Wherefore that this is the sacrifice of righteousness which is offered through repentance it is not unreasonably here understood. For what more righteous, than that each one should be angry with his own sins, rather than those of others, and that in self-punishment he should sacrifice himself unto God? Or are righteous works after repentance the sacrifice of righteousness? …

Exposition on Psalm 4 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Consequently, he exhorts them to do good. And first he directs them concerning the principle of good, because "offer the sacrifice of justice"; as if to say, namely be contrite. In Lev. 4, it is commanded that they offer a sacrifice for sins. But the Lord does not care much about such things. Ps. 39: "Sacrifice and oblation you did not desire, but you have perfected ears for me"; hence you also "offer the sacrifice of justice and hope in the Lord": "many say, who shows us," etc., that is, of satisfaction and penance. Rom. …

Exposition on the Psalms of David ↗