Psalms 11

1 For the leader. Of David. In the Lord I take refuge. How can you tell me to flee like a bird to the mountains?

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 wicked are bending the bow, their arrow is set on the string, to shoot from the shadows 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 In this tearing down of foundations what good can a good person do?’

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

4 The Lord in his holy temple, the Lord in heaven, enthroned. His eyes watch the world, they see everyone.

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 examines the righteous and wicked, and the lover of violence he 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 rains coals of fire and brimstone, and their drink will be scorching wind.

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 just, and justice he loves; so 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.