King James Version
Psalm 11
Belonging to the category of songs of trust, Psalm 11 opens with a resolute affirmation of faith when advisors suggest fleeing danger like a bird to the mountains. The poet acknowledges that social foundations may seem shaken, yet affirms that God remains in His holy temple, observing human actions and testing both righteous and wicked hearts. Rather than panicking under threat, the speaker rests in divine justice and moral clarity. Placed among the early Davidic prayers in the Psalter, it encourages steadfast confidence during times of crisis. The psalm concludes with the key line, "For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright."
1 In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
2 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 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
4 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 trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
GO DEEPER
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