Psalms 11

1 For the chief music-maker. Of David. In the Lord put I my faith; how will you say to my soul, Go in flight like a bird to the mountain?

For the music director: A psalm of David. Lord, you are my protection. So how can you tell me, “Fly away to the mountains like a bird”?

2 See, the bows of the evil-doers are bent, they make ready their arrows on the cord, so that they may send them secretly against the upright in heart.

Look, the wicked are drawing their bows, loading them with arrows ready to shoot from the shadows at good people.

3 If the bases are broken down, what is the upright man to do?

When the foundations of society are destroyed, what can those who live right do?

4 The Lord is in his holy Temple, the Lord's seat is in heaven; his eyes are watching and testing the children of men.

The Lord is in his Temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven. He keeps a close eye on everyone, watching them carefully.

5 The Lord puts the upright and the sinner to the test, but he has hate in his soul for the lover of violent acts.

The Lord examines both those who do right and those who do evil, but he hates those who love violence.

6 On the evil-doer he will send down fire and flames, and a burning wind; with these will their cup be full.

He will make blazing coals and sulfur rain down on the wicked; a scorching wind is what's coming on them.

7 For the Lord is upright; he is a lover of righteousness: the upright will see his face.

The Lord does what is right, and he loves those who live right. Those who do good will see him face to face.