Psalms
Chapter 11
David says he trusts the LORD, so he refuses the advice to run away to the mountains like a frightened bird. Others warn him that the wicked are already aiming their arrows and that the foundations of order are falling apart. The psalm answers that the LORD rules from heaven, watches everyone closely, and will deal with the righteous and the wicked each in turn.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
1I trust the LORD. So why do you tell me, "Run away to your mountain like a bird"?
2For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
2Look, the wicked are bending their bows. They have set the arrow on the string, ready to shoot from hiding at people whose hearts are honest.
3If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
3If the foundations everything rests on are torn down, what can a good person even do?
4The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
4The LORD is in his holy temple. The LORD's throne is in heaven. His eyes watch people, and he looks them over closely.
"Try" in the old wording means to test or examine, not to attempt. "Eyelids try" pictures someone narrowing their eyes to look closely.
5The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
5The LORD puts the good person to the test. But he hates the wicked person and anyone who loves to hurt others.
6Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
6On the wicked he will rain down burning coals and burning sulfur, and a scorching wind. That is what they get.
"Brimstone" is an old word for sulfur, which burns with a choking smell. "The portion of their cup" means the share handed to them, like a drink poured out for each guest.
7For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
7The LORD does what is right, and he loves what is right. He looks with favor on honest people.
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