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Psalm 11:5
The LORD examines the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence.
3If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
4The LORD is in his holy temple. The LORD is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men.
5The LORD examines the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence.
6On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
7For the LORD is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.
Notice
“Examines” includes the righteous within God’s searching gaze, while his hatred of the wicked leaves no room to treat violence as something he overlooks.
Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.
What do you make of the righteous being examined by God?
Write on thisHow do you respond to the words about God hating those who love violence?
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Where else Scripture says this
11 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.
This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
Proverbs 6:16There are six things which the LORD hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him:Both passages speak of what the LORD hates, though this line from Proverbs introduces a list without naming its contents.
Psalm 5:5The arrogant will not stand in your sight. You hate all workers of iniquity.Both psalms direct the language of God’s hatred toward people who do evil, making the warning personal and severe.
Psalm 5:4For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can’t live with you.Both passages describe God’s opposition to wickedness: he takes no pleasure in it and hates the wicked.
James 1:12Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him.The psalm speaks of God examining the righteous; James speaks of approval after enduring temptation and a promise to those who love him.
Psalm 17:3You have proved my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me, and found nothing. I have resolved that my mouth shall not disobey.God’s examination of the righteous becomes a personal account in Psalm 17, where the speaker describes God testing the heart.
Psalm 7:9Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; their minds and hearts are searched by the righteous God.Both psalms distinguish the righteous from the wicked and describe God searching those who stand before him.
Genesis 22:1After these things, God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.”The psalm describes God examining the righteous; Genesis names Abraham as a person whom God tested.
1 Peter 1:7that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and …Both passages speak of testing: the LORD examines the righteous, and Peter describes faith whose worth is proved through trial.
Luke 12:46then the lord of that servant will come in a day when he isn’t expecting him and in an hour that he doesn’t know, and will cut him in two, and place his …The shared thread is judgment against wrongdoing: the psalm names God’s hatred, while Luke describes punishment for an unfaithful servant.
1 Peter 4:12Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.Both passages place testing within the lives of God’s people; Peter tells his readers that such trials should bring no surprise.
Jeremiah 20:12But the LORD of Armies, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for I have revealed my cause to you.Both name the LORD as the one who tests the righteous, and Jeremiah joins that truth to an appeal for vengeance.
Where this verse fits
Injustice and anger. fear for the future. sermon or Bible study notes.
One step
Something small to carry out of this verse
Encouragement
When violence seems unchecked, God’s throne is still occupied. His eyes examine the righteous, and his hatred of those who love violence is real.
Now put it in your words.
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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).