God’s Just Nature: Testing the Righteous and Rejecting Violence
When reading the Bible, some verses can seem complicated or hard to relate to everyday life. Psalm 11:5 is one such verse, but when we break it down into plain, everyday language, its meaning becomes both clear and deeply encouraging. Here’s a closer look at what Psalm 11:5 is saying, why it matters, and what we can take away from it for our own lives.
What Does Psalm 11:5 Say?
The verse reads:
“The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence his soul hates.”
Put simply, this means God looks closely at people who try to do the right thing (the righteous), and He tests them—or puts them through challenges—to help them learn and grow. At the same time, God has a strong dislike for people who do wrong and especially for those who delight in hurting others.
Testing the Righteous: Why Does God Allow Challenges?
Many people ask, “If God loves those who try to do good, why do they have to go through hard times?” This verse helps answer that question.
In life, just because we try to do the right thing doesn’t mean everything will always go smoothly. In fact, facing difficulties is part of the journey. According to Psalm 11:5, God examines or “tests” the righteous. Think of this like a teacher giving a test—not to fail the students, but to show what they’ve really learned and to help them improve.
In the same way, God allows us to go through challenges to make our faith stronger and to bring out the best in us. These tests are not meant to crush us, but to refine us—like gold is purified in a fire. The process can be tough, but the end result is valuable.
Examples from Everyday Life
Consider someone training for a marathon. Their coach might give them tougher and tougher workouts. The point isn’t to make them quit, but to help them become stronger and better runners. In the same way, God uses hard times to help us grow, learn, and rely more on Him.
God’s Hatred for Wickedness and Violence
The second part of the verse says that God “hates” the wicked and those who love violence. This can sound harsh, especially since we often talk about God as loving and merciful. But here, hate doesn’t mean petty or cruel feelings. Instead, it refers to God’s holy and perfect opposition to evil.
God is perfectly good and just, so He cannot accept or ignore evil. When someone chooses to do wrong on purpose—especially when that includes hurting others—God’s very nature is against it. Violence, in particular, is singled out because it’s a direct attack on others and goes completely against God’s desire for peace and justice.
Not Just Any Hatred
It’s important to note that the word “hate” here doesn’t mean God is moody or unfair. Rather, it shows that God cares deeply about right and wrong. He won’t turn a blind eye to cruelty or injustice. If someone chooses to live selfishly and hurt others, they are standing in direct opposition to God’s character.
Why Mention Violence Specifically?
The verse could have just said “wicked people,” but it adds “the one who loves violence.” Why? Because violence is a clear and active form of evil. It’s not just about having bad thoughts or even making mistakes; it’s about choosing to cause harm and taking pleasure in it. By calling out violence, the verse reminds us that how we treat others really matters to God.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
When we read Psalm 11:5 in context, we see a message that is both a challenge and an encouragement:
· Our faith will be tested: If you’re trying to live a good life and trust God, don’t be surprised when things get hard. These challenges aren’t punishment—they’re opportunities to grow.
· God sees and knows everything: We can only see what’s on the surface, but God knows what’s in our hearts. He understands our fears, doubts, and motivations, and He loves us enough to help us improve.
· Choosing good over evil matters: God’s opposition to violence and evil shows us how important it is to choose kindness, fairness, and peace in our own lives. We are called to stand up against wrongdoing and to choose compassion, even when it’s difficult.
· God is just: Even if it seems like people who do wrong are getting away with it, this verse reminds us that God is the ultimate judge. Wickedness and violence will not go unanswered forever.
The Bigger Picture: Psalm 11 and David’s Story
Psalm 11 as a whole is a song written by David, who was going through a very tough time in his life. He was being tempted to give up his trust in God and to take matters into his own hands. Others around him were afraid and advised him to run away or use tricky ways to protect himself. But David stood firm and decided to keep his faith in God, no matter how hard things got.
Lessons from David’s Faith
David’s story in this psalm shows us that real faith means holding on to trust in God even when everyone else is panicking. It’s easy to trust God when things are going well; real trust shows up when we’re under pressure.
We also learn that advice from others isn’t always right—even if it comes from people who care about us. Sometimes, fear leads people to use worldly logic or shortcuts, instead of holding on to what’s true and good.
God’s Perspective Is Different from Ours
We can often only see what’s right in front of us. We might see good people suffering and bad people getting ahead, and wonder if God is really paying attention. Psalm 11 assures us that God sees much deeper than we do—He examines hearts and motives, not just outward appearances. Just like a skilled refiner knows when gold is pure, God knows the true value of our faith.
Every Choice Matters
Psalm 11:5 also reminds us that every choice we make matters. God doesn’t just look at the big things—He cares about little choices, too. Are we choosing patience over anger? Forgiveness over revenge? Are we building others up, or tearing them down? These choices shape who we are and how closely we walk with God.
What About the Wicked?
Some may wonder why God allows bad people to succeed, even for a while. The psalm explains that although it might look like the wicked are winning, their success won’t last. In the end, justice belongs to God. People who choose evil and violence will face the consequences of their choices.
A Final Call to Hope
Lastly, Psalm 11 points to hope. If you are trusting God—even in hard times—you have a solid foundation. God is “near” to those who seek Him, and His Spirit gives strength and comfort in all circumstances.
For those who have wandered from God, the psalm is a gentle but serious reminder: it’s never too late to turn back. God’s arms are open to anyone who chooses to leave violence and evil behind and trust in Him.
In Summary
Psalm 11:5 might sound challenging at first, but it carries a message of great comfort and practical guidance:
· God tests the righteous, not to punish them, but to help them grow.
· God stands firmly against evil and violence, and He will bring justice.
· Our faith and choices matter, especially in difficult times.
Trusting God doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but it does mean we have Someone who sees, cares, and ultimately makes things right. Hold on to that hope, and choose the path of goodness and trust—no matter what.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 