Psalms 14

1 The fool said in his heart,

“There is no God.”

They became corrupt and detestable in their practices. No one shows kindness—not even one.

2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon human beings to see whether anyone understood or sought God.

3 Everyone turned aside; together they became useless. No one shows kindness—not even one. [Their throat is an open tomb. They deceived with their tongues. The venom of snakes is beneath their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and misery are in their ways, and they have not known the way of peace. There is no fear of God before their eyes.]

4 Won’t all who practice lawlessness know—those who devour my people as they eat bread? They have not called upon the Lord.

5 There they were terrified with fear where there was no fear, because God is among the righteous generation.

6 You shamed the needy person’s counsel because the Lord is his hope.

7 Who will give Israel rescue from Zion? When the Lord brings back the captivity of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.