Psalms 14 — Human Corruption, Divine Examination, and Salvation from Zion | World English Bible | OliveGrove

Psalms 14

Human Corruption, Divine Examination, and Salvation from Zion

The psalm moves from the fool’s denial of God and universal corruption, to the LORD’s heavenly examination of humanity, to the terror of evildoers who oppose God’s people, and finally to a longing for salvation from Zion that will restore Jacob’s joy.

World English Bible, Public Domain

Psalms 14:1–3

God’s search for righteousness among humanity reveals a total and universal corruption, where every heart has turned away from its Creator.

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1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt. They have done abominable deeds. There is no one who does good.

2 Yahweh looked down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who understood, who sought after God.

3 They have all gone aside. They have together become corrupt. There is no one who does good, no, not one.

Psalms 14:4–7

The Lord will overwhelm the godless with dread while bringing salvation and restoration out of Zion to His people.

Divine Judgment Deliverance Human Sinfulness Judgment Remnant

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4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don’t call on Yahweh?

5 There they were in great fear, for God is in the generation of the righteous.

6 You frustrate the plan of the poor, because Yahweh is his refuge.

7 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When Yahweh restores the fortunes of his people, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

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