The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
The Lord trieth the righteous - in love; as the contrast to "hateth" in the second clause requires. His testing the righteous by trials is a proof of love (Hebrews 12:6-12), not hatred. His giving up the wicked to impunity for a time, while it gives the opportunity of repentance, is also a mark of judicial displeasure because they have long seared their conscience against His love and His chastisements.