Psalm 14

A David Psalm

1 Bilious and bloated, they gas, "God is gone." Their words are poison gas, fouling the air; they poison Rivers and skies; thistles are their cash crop.
2 God sticks his head out of heaven. He looks around. He's looking for someone not stupid— one man, even, God-expectant, just one God-ready woman.
3 He comes up empty. A string of zeros. Useless, unshepherded Sheep, taking turns pretending to be Shepherd. The ninety and nine follow their fellow.
4 Don't they know anything, all these impostors? Don't they know they can't get away with this— Treating people like a fast-food meal over which they're too busy to pray?
5-6 Night is coming for them, and nightmares, for God takes the side of victims. Do you think you can mess with the dreams of the poor? You can't, for God makes their dreams come true.
7 Is there anyone around to save Israel? Yes. God is around; God turns life around. Turned-around Jacob skips rope, turned-around Israel sings laughter.

Psalm 14

For the music director; by David.

1 Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.”
They sin and commit evil deeds;
none of them does what is right.

2 The Lord looks down from heaven at the human race,
to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

3 Everyone rejects God;
they are all morally corrupt.
None of them does what is right,
not even one!

4 All those who behave wickedly do not understand –
those who devour my people as if they were eating bread,
and do not call out to the Lord.

5 They are absolutely terrified,
for God defends the godly.

6 You want to humiliate the oppressed,
even though the Lord is their shelter.

7 I wish the deliverance of Israel would come from Zion!
When the Lord restores the well-being of his people,
may Jacob rejoice,
may Israel be happy!