Psalms 11

1 For the Leader. A Psalm of David. In the LORD have I taken refuge; how say ye to my soul: 'Flee thou! to your mountain, ye birds'?

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 For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, they have made ready their arrow upon the string, that they may shoot in darkness at 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 When the foundations are destroyed, what hath the righteous wrought?

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

4 The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD, His throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids try, 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 trieth the righteous; but the wicked and him that loveth violence His soul hateth.

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

6 Upon the wicked He will cause to rain coals; fire and brimstone and burning wind shall be the portion of their cup.

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 righteous, He loveth righteousness; the upright shall behold 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.