Old Testament
Psalms 14
Overview
Psalm 14 is a wisdom-tinged lament diagnosing the universal corruption of humanity: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" Looking down from heaven, the LORD finds none who do good, none who seek him — all have turned aside. Yet the psalm does not end in despair: God is with the company of the righteous, he is the refuge of the poor, and it closes longing for salvation to come out of Zion for his people.
1To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
2The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
3They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
4Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.
5There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.
6Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.
7Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.