Refrain: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
1 The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ ♦
Corrupt are they, and abominable in their wickedness;
there is no one that does good.
2 The Lord has looked down from heaven
upon the children of earth, ♦
to see if there is anyone who is
wise and seeks after God.
3 But every one has turned back;
all alike have become corrupt: ♦
there is none that does good; no, not one. [R]
4 Have they no knowledge, those evildoers, ♦
who eat up my people as if they ate bread
and do not call upon the Lord?
5 There shall they be in great fear; ♦
for God is in the company of the righteous.
6 Though they would confound the counsel of the poor, ♦
yet the Lord shall be their refuge.
7 O that Israel’s salvation would come out of Zion! ♦
When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
then will Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.
Refrain: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
God of heaven,
look with mercy on all who are consumed
by ignorance and greed,
and let the children of earth know
that you are God for ever.
Common Worship: Daily Prayer, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2005 and published by Church House Publishing.
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