Psalms 11
What Happens in This Chapter
This psalm answers people who tell the writer to run away and hide. He says he trusts God instead of running. He describes God watching everyone from His holy temple and His throne. The psalm ends by saying God loves what is right, and good people will see His face.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
1I trust the LORD to keep me safe. So why do you tell me, "Fly 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.
2You say, "Look! Bad people are bending their bows. They have put their arrows on the strings. They want to shoot from the dark at people with honest hearts."
3If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
3You say, "If everything good is torn down, what can good people 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.
4But the LORD is in His holy temple. The LORD sits on His throne in heaven. His eyes watch closely. He looks carefully at every person.
5The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
5The LORD tests good people and bad people. He hates anyone who loves hurting others.
6Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
6He will pour burning coals and sulfur down on bad people. A hot, scorching wind will be what they get.
"Brimstone" is an old word for sulfur. It is a yellow rock that burns with a strong smell.
7For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
7The LORD does what is right, and He loves what is right. Honest people will see His face.
← → to turn the page · P for plain English · click a verse to sit with it