Psalms 11

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 11

A psalm of David expressing trust in God when others tell him to run away. David chooses faith over fear, knowing that God tests the righteous and the wicked.

Scripture

Trust Instead of Flight

Study note

David's friends tell him to flee because the wicked are shooting arrows at the righteous. They ask what the righteous can do when the foundations crumble.

1 The Lord is where I find safety. So how can you say to me, "Run off to the mountains like a scared bird"? In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

2 Watch out! Those who do evil are pulling back their bows. They have their arrows ready on the string, planning to shoot from dark corners at people with honest hearts. For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

3 When all that holds life together falls apart, what can good people do? If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

God Sees All

Study note

David points to God in his holy temple. From heaven, God sees everything and tests every person. The righteous Lord loves what is right.

4 The Lord is in his holy temple. The Lord's throne stands in heaven. His eyes take in everything. He studies every person. The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

5 The Lord tests good people to show what they are made of. But he truly hates those who are wicked and those who love hurting others. The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

6 On those who do evil he will send down burning coals and sulfur. A blast of scorching wind is what they will get. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.

7 The Lord is right in everything he does, and he loves it when people do right. Those who are honest and upright will get to see his face. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 11

Choosing trust over flightGod sees everything from his throneTesting the righteous and the wickedGod loves justice

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 11

When the world feels unstable and people tell you to run, remember that God is still on His throne. He tests hearts and loves justice. You do not need to flee in panic — you can stand firm because the foundations of your faith are not in this world but in the unshakeable God.

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