Psalms 11

1 [For the Chief Musician. By David.] In Jehovah, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your 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 For, look, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, 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 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?

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

4 Jehovah is in his holy temple. Jehovah is on his throne in heaven. His eyes look upon the poor. His eyes examine the descendants of Adam.

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

5 Jehovah examines the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence his soul hates.

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

6 On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching 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 Jehovah is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall 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.