Psalm 11:5 The LORD tries the righteous: but the wicked and him that loves violence his soul hates. David was living at the court of Saul, and many were plotting for his destruction. But his support was that God would permit no real harm to come to him, and that his trial was from God. They wanted David to flee away. They said, the foundations were broken up, and what could the righteous do? You never know what you can do when God helps you. 1. Believers are righteous — by the pardon of the past, which conceals it as if it had never been. Because God puts within them a new heart and a new spirit. And practically, by fulfilling God's commandments. 2. Righteous people are tried. In one sense the probation of the wicked is over. Believing people are on trial. You have accepted mercy — and your trial is whether you will be faithful to the grace given, whether you will persevere to the end. The truth that there is a possibility of your falling away has its practical value. It ought to lead you to caution, vigilance, and self-denial. 3. It is the Lord who tries you. Then you will not be tried too much. The Lord has the control of all your trials, whether they come through prosperity, adversity, bereavements, persecutions, or the sufferings of others. 4. Why does the Lord try the righteous? That they may know themselves, to train and discipline character, to make us more useful, and to advance His own glory. It is God's opportunity of showing the truth of His promise to help. You ought to learn to get good out of your trials. "Glory in tribulations also," that the power of Christ may rest upon you. (Samuel Coley.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.WEB: Yahweh examines the righteous, but the wicked and him who loves violence his soul hates. |
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