Psalm 14

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.

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.

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000 and published by Church House Publishing.