THOSE WHO LOVE VIOLENCE HIS SOUL HATES / PSALMS 11:5

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(KJV) Psalms 11:5

The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Guarding Your Heart in a Culture of Violence

We live in a world that is completely fascinated by conflict. From the video games we play to the breaking news on our screens and the blockbuster movies we stream, violence is often packaged as entertainment. It is easy to think that passively watching or engaging with these things is harmless. However, Psalms 11:5 delivers a sobering truth that every believer needs to hear: “The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.”

Because the Lord is compassionate and completely loves justice (Psalms 11:7), He deeply despises both physical violence and the heart that takes pleasure in it. This serves as a vital warning for us today.

The Slow Fade of Entertainment

The danger for modern believers rarely starts with an outright desire to cause physical harm. Instead, it begins when we open ourselves up to the subtle influences of modern media. When we lower our guard, a dangerous shift happens:

• Desensitization: What used to shock us slowly becomes normal.
• Appetite Building: Over time, a taste develops for actions, language, and principles that directly oppose God’s character.
• Moral Compromise: We find ourselves cheering for or being amused by things that God explicitly condemns (Luke 23:35; Romans 1:32).

What we allow into our minds eventually shapes our souls. We cannot love what God hates and expect to maintain an intimate walk with Him. Guarding our hearts means making intentional choices about what we look at, listen to, and celebrate. Let us choose to feed our minds with things that reflect His righteousness, His peace, and His love.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God of perfect justice, righteousness, and peace. Forgive us for the times we have lowered our guard and allowed the violence and wickedness of this world to entertain us. Lord, convict our hearts where we have become numb to the things that grieve Your soul.

We ask that You purify our desires today. Help us to guard our hearts with all diligence and give us the wisdom to turn away from media and entertainment that honor violence. Instead, fill our minds with whatever is true, pure, lovely, and admirable. May our lives be a true reflection of Your love and justice to the world around us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

1. IN THE LORD I TAKE REFUGE / PSALMS 11:1-7
2. FROM AMBUSH HE MURDERS THE INNOCENT / PSALMS 10:8-10
3. IN HIS ARROGANCE THE WICKED MAN HUNTS / PSALMS 10:2
4. DO YOU STAND FAR OFF? / PSALMS 10:1-18
5. THE NEEDY WILL NOT ALWAYS BE FORGOTTEN / PSALMS 9:18
6. JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS / PSALMS 9:8
7. DESTROYED THE WICKED / PSALMS 9:5
8. I WILL PRAISE YOU O LORD / PSALMS 9:1-2
9. WITH GLORY AND HONOR / PSALMS 8:5
10. THE SON OF MAN / PSALMS 8:3-6
11. WHO SAVES THE UPRIGHT IN HEART / PSALMS 7:10
12. I TAKE REFUGE / PSALMS 7:1
13. DELIVER ME FROM ALL WHO PURSUE ME / PSALMS 7:1-17
14. I AM WORN OUT FROM GROANING / PSALMS 6:6
15. DELIVER ME / PSALMS 6:4
16. HEAL ME / PSALMS 6:2
17. DO NOT REBUKE ME IN YOUR ANGER / PSALMS 6:1-10
18. BANISH THEM / PSLAMS 5:10
19. YOU HATE ALL WHO DO WRONG / PSALMS 5:5-6
20. YOU HEAR MY VOICE / PSALMS 5:3
21. WILL HEAR WHEN I CALL TO HIM / PSALMS 4:3
22. ANSWER ME / PSALMS 4:1-8
23. I LIE DOWN AND SLEEP / PSALMS 3:5
24. YOU ARE A SHIELD … YOU BESTOW GLORY / PSALMS 3:3
25. SELAH / PALMS 3:2
26. HOW MANY ARE MY FOES! / PSALMS 3:1-8
27. THE NATIONS YOUR INHERITANCE / PSALMS 2:8
28. MY SON TODAY I HAVE BECOME YOUR FATHER / PSALMS 2:7
29. HIS ANOINTED ONE / PSALMS 2:2
30. WHY DO THE NATIONS CONSPIRE / PSALMS 2:1-12
31. THE WICKED / PSALMS 1:4-6
32. STREAMS OF WATER / PSALMS 1:3
33. HIS DELIGHT IS IN THE LAW / PSALMS 1:2
34. BLESSED IS THE MAN / PSALMS 1:1
35. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace