11:1-4David seems to be speaking to those who are advising him to run from his enemies. David's faith contrasts dramatically with the fear of the advisers who tell him to flee. Faith in God keeps us from losing hope and helps us resist fear. David’s advisers were afraid because they saw only frightening circumstances and crumbling foundations. David was comforted and optimistic because he knew God was greater than anything his enemies could bring against him (7:10; 16:1; 31:2, 3).
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 11
Psalm 11
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 852, 853
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
11Psalm 11
1I trust in the Loan for protection. Wt 2So why do you say to me, sues “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!
2 The wicked are stringing their bowsand fitting their arrows on the bowstrings.They shoot from the shadowsat those whose hearts are right.
3The foundations of law and order have collapsed.What can the righteous do?”
4But the LORD is in his holy Temple;the LORD still rules from heaven.He watches everyone closely,examining every person on earth.
5The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked.He hates those who love violence.
6He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked,punishing them with scorching winds.
7For the righteous LORD loves justice.The virtuous will see his face.Theme: The proud and lying words of people versus the true and pure words of God.A call for protection against those who try to manipulate us.
Author: David
12 For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by an eight-stringed instrument:
Textual footnotes
- a
- 10:4-6 Some people succeed in everything they do, and they 10:11 There is an incompatibitity between blind arrogance and
- brag that no one, not even God, can keep them down. We may the presence of God in our hearts. Proud people depend on them-
- wonder why God allows these people to amass great wealth while selves rather than on God. This causes God's guiding influences
- they despise him as they do. But why are we upset when the to leave their lives. When God’s presence is welcome, there is no
- wicked prosper? Are we angry about the damage they are doing room for pride because he makes us aware of our true selves.
- a ee iealous of their success? To answer these questions, we 10:14 God sees and takes note of each evil deed, encourages us,
- gain the right perspective on wickedness and wealth. The i:.; fi
- wicked will surely be punished because God hates their evil deeds and listens to our cries (10:17). He is always with us. We can face
- - the wicked because we do not face them alone. God is by our side.
- Wealth is only temporary. It is not necessarily a sign of God's
- approval on a person's life; nor is lack of it a sign of God's dis- 41:1-4 David was forced to flee for safety several times. Being
- approval. Don't let wealth become your obsession. See Proverbs God's anointed king did not make him immune to injustice and
- 30:7, 8 for a prayer you can pray about money. hatred from others. He may have written this psalm when he was
Life Application Notes 3 notes
11:4When the foundations are shaking and you wish you could hide, remember that God is still in control. His power is not diminished by any turn of events. Nothing happens without his knowledge and permission. When you feel like running away— run to God. He will restore justice and goodness on the earth in his good time.
11:5God does not shield believers from difficult circumstances, but he examines (or tests) both the righteous and the wicked. For some, God's tests become a refining fire, while for others they become an incinerator for destruction. Don’t ignore or defy the tests and challenges that come your way. Use them as opportunities for you to grow.