Psalms 14

1 To the chief music-maker. Of David. The foolish man has said in his heart, God will not do anything. They are unclean, they have done evil works; there is not one who does good.

For the leader. Of David. Fools say in their heart, ‘There is no God.’ Vile, hateful their life is; not one does good.

2 The Lord was looking down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who had wisdom, searching after God.

From heaven the Lord looks out on humans, to see if any are wise, and care for God.

3 They have all gone out of the way together; they are unclean, there is not one who does good, no, not one.

But all have turned bad, the taint is on all; not one does good, no, not one.

4 Have all the workers of evil no knowledge? they take my people for food as they would take bread; they make no prayer to the Lord.

Have they learned their lesson, those workers of evil? Who ate up my people, eating, devouring, never calling to the Lord.

5 Then were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the upright.

Sore afraid will they be; for God is among those who are righteous,

6 You have put to shame the thoughts of the poor, but the Lord is his support.

you may mock the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge.

7 May the salvation of Israel come out of Zion! when the fate of his people is changed by the Lord, Jacob will have joy and Israel will be glad.

If only help from Zion would come for Israel! When the Lord brings his people a change of fortune, how glad will be Jacob, and Israel how joyful!