Psalms 11:5
The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
Main message
Psalm 11:5: God examines the righteous while opposing wickedness and violence, so suffering must not be reduced to a simplistic punishment formula..
Meaning in context
Psalm 11:4–5 · The LORD sees and judges from his holy throne — The perspective shifts from earthly crisis to God’s holy rule, searching sight, and moral judgment.
God examines the righteous while opposing wickedness and violence, so suffering must not be reduced to a simplistic punishment formula..
Further teachings
The LORD sees and judges from his holy throne
God examines the righteous while opposing wickedness and violence, so suffering must not be reduced to a simplistic punishment formula.
Cross References: Psalm 11:5 — Psalm 11:4–5.
Applications in daily life
- 1
Psalm 11:5
Let this verse shape trust, truthful discernment, protection of the vulnerable, and refusal of retaliatory violence.
The LORD’s testing of the righteous does not mean every illness, trauma, disaster, or hardship was sent as a personalized divine test or punishment.
Related Bible passages and resources
- Psalm 11 (complete chapter)
Read the whole psalm before isolating one verse.
- Psalm 11:4
Read the previous line to preserve the local argument.
- Psalm 11:6
Continue with the next line to preserve the local argument.
- Bible verses about testing
Verse 5 says the LORD tests the righteous even as he despises the wicked and the one who loves violence; this page gathers Scripture on God refining his people through trial rather than condemning them with the wicked.
Common misreadings
The LORD’s testing of the righteous does not mean every illness, trauma, disaster, or hardship was sent as a personalized divine test or punishment.
God examines the righteous while opposing wickedness and violence, so suffering must not be reduced to a simplistic punishment formula.; the verse should remain within Psalm 11:4–5.
Related Verses
- Ephesians 5:28
“So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”
- Malachi 2:16
“For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”
- Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”
- Psalms 34:18
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
- Proverbs 3:31
“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.”
Related Topics
How to Apply Psalms 11:5
Study Psalms 11:5 in context by reading the surrounding passage in Psalms. Identify one person in your life who might be encouraged by this verse on the theme of Domestic Violence in the Bible. Share it with them and open a conversation rooted in Scripture — sometimes the most practical application is passing the Word along.
Sources & Method
Biblical text
Commentary anchored to the site’s public-domain Psalm 11 text.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Reviewed on: