Psalms 14

1 For the music director. A psalm of David. Only fools tell themselves, “God doesn't exist.” They are completely immoral; they commit terrible sins; not a single one of them does anything 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 watches from heaven to see whether anyone understands—if there's anyone who wants to come to God.

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

3 They have all gone their own way, they are totally depraved; none of them does anything good, not even one.

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

4 Won't these people who do evil ever learn? They consume my people as if they were eating bread, and refuse to pray 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 Look, they will become terrified, because God is with those who live right.

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

6 The wicked dismiss the plans of the poor people, but the Lord looks after them.

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

7 If only the Lord's salvation would come from Zion! When the Lord restores his people, the people of Jacob will celebrate, and the people of 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!