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.
1For the Chief Musician. By David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt. They have done abominable deeds. There is no one who does good.
2Yahweh looked down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who understood, who sought after God.
3They have all gone aside. They have together become corrupt. There is no one who does good, no, not one.
4Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don’t call on Yahweh?
5There they were in great fear, for God is in the generation of the righteous.
6You frustrate the plan of the poor, because Yahweh is his refuge.
7Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When Yahweh restores the fortunes of his people, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.