Psalm 11:3 asks a serious question: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” In simple words, it means: When the things that hold life together are falling apart, what should God’s people do?
The “foundations” are the basic things that support a life, a family, a church, a nation, and a society. These include truth, justice, righteousness, faith, love, mercy, and trust in God. A foundation is like the base of a house. If the base breaks, the whole house is in danger.
Psalm 11 shows that David was living in a time of danger. The wicked were ready to attack the upright in heart. They were like people bending a bow and aiming arrows in the dark. It looked like evil was strong and the righteous were unsafe.
But David does not end in fear. He looks up and remembers where God is. “The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven.” That means God is still in control. The foundations on earth may shake, but God’s throne does not shake.
Psalm 89:14 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before You.” This teaches us that God’s kingdom is built on what is right and fair. Righteousness and justice are the keystone of His rule. A keystone is the main stone that helps hold everything together. In the same way, God’s righteousness and justice hold His kingdom steady.
What Can the Righteous Do?
First, the righteous can trust God. When life feels unstable, we must remember that God is not confused, afraid, or absent. His eyes see everything. He tests the righteous and the wicked. Nothing is hidden from Him.
Second, the righteous can keep doing what is right. When others lie, we must speak truth. When others choose violence, we must choose peace. When others act unjustly, we must stand for justice. We do not rebuild broken foundations by becoming like the wicked.
Third, the righteous can pray. Prayer is not weakness. Prayer is how we bring our fears, burdens, and needs before the God whose throne is in heaven. When we pray, we are saying, “Lord, You are my foundation.”
Fourth, the righteous can rebuild with truth, mercy, righteousness, and justice. Crumbling foundations are not repaired by anger alone. They are repaired by faithful obedience to God, by loving our neighbors, by defending what is right, and by refusing to give up hope.
Psalm 11:7 says, “For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will see His face.” This is our hope. God loves what is right. He sees the upright. He will not forget those who trust Him.
Simple Answer
When the foundations are crumbling, the righteous can still trust God, pray, stand for truth, live with mercy, do justice, and keep building on the only foundation that cannot be destroyed: the Lord Himself.
Minister A Francine Green, August 2026