Add parallel Print Page Options

Psalm 14

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

Only fools say in their hearts,
    “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
    not one of them does good!

The Lord looks down from heaven
    on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
    if anyone seeks God.
But no, all have turned away;
    all have become corrupt.[a]
No one does good,
    not a single one!

Will those who do evil never learn?
    They eat up my people like bread
    and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord.
Terror will grip them,
    for God is with those who obey him.
The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,
    but the Lord will protect his people.

Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?
    When the Lord restores his people,
    Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

Footnotes

  1. 14:3 Greek version reads have become useless. Compare Rom 3:12.

14 A wise woman builds her home,
    but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

Those who follow the right path fear the Lord;
    those who take the wrong path despise him.

A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,
    but the words of the wise keep them safe.

Without oxen a stable stays clean,
    but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

An honest witness does not lie;
    a false witness breathes lies.

A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
    but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

Stay away from fools,
    for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.

The prudent understand where they are going,
    but fools deceive themselves.

Fools make fun of guilt,
    but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no one else can fully share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
    but the tent of the godly will flourish.

12 There is a path before each person that seems right,
    but it ends in death.

13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart,
    but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.

14 Backsliders get what they deserve;
    good people receive their reward.

15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
    The prudent carefully consider their steps.

16 The wise are cautious[a] and avoid danger;
    fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

17 Short-tempered people do foolish things,
    and schemers are hated.

18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness,[b]
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 Evil people will bow before good people;
    the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.

20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors,
    while the rich have many “friends.”

21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;
    blessed are those who help the poor.

22 If you plan to do evil, you will be lost;
    if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.

23 Work brings profit,
    but mere talk leads to poverty!

24 Wealth is a crown for the wise;
    the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,
    but a false witness is a traitor.

26 Those who fear the Lord are secure;
    he will be a refuge for their children.

27 Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain;
    it offers escape from the snares of death.

28 A growing population is a king’s glory;
    a prince without subjects has nothing.

29 People with understanding control their anger;
    a hot temper shows great foolishness.

30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;
    jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,
    but helping the poor honors him.

32 The wicked are crushed by disaster,
    but the godly have a refuge when they die.

33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;
    wisdom is not[c] found among fools.

34 Godliness makes a nation great,
    but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 A king rejoices in wise servants
    but is angry with those who disgrace him.

Footnotes

  1. 14:16 Hebrew The wise fear.
  2. 14:18 Or inherit foolishness.
  3. 14:33 As in Greek and Syriac versions; Hebrew lacks not.

Bible Gateway Recommends

NLT One Year Chronological Study Bible, Softcover
NLT One Year Chronological Study Bible, Softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $9.00 (36%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
NLT One Year Bible Softcover
NLT One Year Bible Softcover
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $10.92
Save: $8.07 (42%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
NLT One Year Premium Slimline Large Print Bible, Softcover
NLT One Year Premium Slimline Large Print Bible, Softcover
Retail: $22.99
Our Price: $16.19
Save: $6.80 (30%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars