Psalm 11

New International Reader’s Version

1 I run to the LORD for safety. So how can you say to me, ‘Fly away like a bird to your mountain.2 Look! Evil people are bending their bows. They are placing their arrows against the strings. They are planning to shoot from the shadows at those who have honest hearts.3 When law and order are being destroyed, what can godly people do?’4 The LORD is in his holy temple. The LORD is on his throne in heaven. He watches everyone on earth. His eyes study them.5 The LORD watches over those who do what is right. But he really hates sinful people and those who love to hurt others.6 He will pour out flaming coals and burning sulphur on those who do what is wrong. A hot and dry wind will destroy them.7 The LORD always does what is right. So he loves it when people do what is fair. Those who are honest will enjoy his blessing.

Psalm 11

English Standard Version

1 To the choirmaster. Of David. In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee like a bird to your mountain, (1Sa 23:14; 1Sa 23:19; 1Sa 24:2; 1Sa 26:19)2 for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; (Ps 7:10; Ps 7:12; Ps 21:12; Ps 58:7; Ps 64:4; Jer 9:3)3 if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”[1] (Ps 82:5; Eze 30:4)4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. (Job 23:10; Ps 2:4; Ps 18:6; Isa 66:1; Mic 1:2; Hab 2:20; Mt 5:34; Mt 23:22; Ac 7:49)5 The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. (Ge 22:1; Ps 5:5; Jas 1:12)6 Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. (Ge 19:24; Job 18:15; Job 21:20; Ps 75:8; Eze 38:22)7 For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. (Ps 17:15; Ps 33:5; Ps 140:13; 1Jo 3:2; Re 22:4)