Psalm 11:3 “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
In the times in which we live, we see injustice, inequity, hopelessness, discouragement and so much more in our society, but King David asks us a profound question!
What do we do when the foundations appear to be destroyed, or what can the righteous do?
Well, David answers this question in the preceding verses of Psalm 11 which contains 7 verses.
The very first verse in Psalm 11 should give us a hint as to what we should do!
Psalm 11: 1, In the LORD I put my trust; How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain?”
So what can the righteous do?
We look to GOD! We trust in GOD! We put our faith, hope and love in God who is the answer, and will give us the answer to all things, and anything that we go through in this earthrealm!
So what do the righteous do? We stand firm in the LORD!
The Bible tells us in 1 Cor 3:11 For no other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Why? Because Christ is my FIRM FOUNDATION~!
In Psalm verse 1, David says, “In the LORD I put my trust; How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain?”
The right advice is:
-Instead of panicking or fleeing, the Psalmist directs the righteous to respond with faith and stability.
– He encourages us to look to God and to remember that the Lord is still on His heavenly throne and rules over all.
-Trust God’s Justice: God sees everything, tests the righteous, and holds the wicked accountable.
-Stand Firm: Refuse to give in to fear or worry over things outside of your control.
The wrong advice is:
– Run away in fear like a bird to the mountains.
– Quit or give up.
– Be discouraged or give up and throw in the towel.
– Take your little red wagon and go home.
In verses 4 through 7, David answers his own alarming question by shifting his focus away from the crumbling earth and toward the unchanging heavens.
(Verse 4): “The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven.”
When human systems and institutions fail, God’s ultimate authority remains entirely intact.
(Verses 4–5): “His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.” God is not distant or unaware.
God actively observes, tests, and evaluates both the righteous and the wicked.
(Verse 6): “Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone…” Evil may temporarily prosper when foundations break, but ultimate justice is guaranteed.
Last but not least, stand strong in the LORD and do what is right in his sight!
(Verse 7): “For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.”
Living rightly pleases God, and the upright will ultimately enjoy His presence and favor.
When modern “foundations”—such as economic stability, political integrity, moral consensus, or family structures seem to fracture, the Psalmist provides a practical blueprint for response.
- Refuse the “Flight” Mentality: To withdraw from society, surrender to cynicism, or panic-buy into isolation.
The Righteous Response: Stay engaged. Do not run like a “bird to your mountain” (Verse 1). Courage means maintaining your integrity exactly where you are placed.
- Shift Your Perspective: To fixate entirely on breaking news, cultural decay, or institutional failure.
The Righteous Response: Look upward. Recognize that human crises do not catch God by surprise. Acknowledge that temporary chaos does not equal ultimate defeat.
- Focus on Personal Integrity: To compromise your standards because “everyone else is doing it” or because the system feels rigged.
The Righteous Response: Double down on doing what is right. When societal foundations crumble, individual lives of integrity become the rebuilding blocks for the future.
- Rebuild Small Foundations: Sometimes we feel helpless because we cannot fix global or national problems.
The Righteous Response: Strengthen the foundations within your direct sphere of influence. Protect the church and your family, serve your local community, and support your neighbors.
The Bible says in Matt 11:12, And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
Encouragement: Remember that Christ is our firm foundation. Whatever you may be going through or facing, stand firm in the LORD, and be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power! For God will protect and bless his people!
God Bless,
Pastor Quinn






