Psalms
Summary
Psalm 14 (which is virtually identical to Psalm 53) is a stark description of human depravity and the folly of life without God. It begins with the famous observation: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" The psalmist describes a world that is "corrupt" and where "there is none who does good," stating that even the LORD looks down from heaven and finds everyone has turned aside. It highlights the oppression of God's people by the wicked but ends with a longing for the salvation of Israel to come out of Zion, bringing joy to Jacob once more.
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men, to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, no, not one.
Will all these evildoers never learn, those who devour my people as they eat bread and do not call on the LORD?
There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.
You would frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!