Psalms – Chapter 14

Old Testament • 5 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 14 opens with the words: "A psalm for David. Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? or who shall rest in thy holy hill?" David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 5 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and worship and praise. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1A psalm for David. Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? or who shall rest in thy holy hill?

2He that walketh without blemish, and worketh justice:

3He that speaketh truth in his heart, who hath not used deceit in his tongue: Nor hath done evil to his neighbour: nor taken up a reproach against his neighbours.

4In his sight the malignant is brought to nothing: but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his neighbour, and deceiveth not;

5He that hath not put out his money to usury, nor taken bribes against the innocent: He that doth these things, shall not be moved for ever.

Important Verses in Psalms 14

“A psalm for David. Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? or who shall rest in thy holy hill?”

Psalms 14:1

“In his sight the malignant is brought to nothing: but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his neighbour, and deceiveth not;”

Psalms 14:4

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 14 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 5 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "A psalm for David. Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? or who shall rest in thy holy hill?" The chapter ends with: "He that hath not put out his money to usury, nor taken bribes against the innocent: He that doth these things, shall…" The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "A psalm for David. Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? or who shall rest in thy holy hill?" The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 14 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Bede the Venerable and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1814).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 14 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 14, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Psalms Chapter 14 supports that call by drawing attention to purity of heart and interior conversion within the wider message that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of purity of heart and interior conversion bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 14 about?

Psalms 14 contains 5 verses. It opens with "A psalm for David. Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? or who shall rest in thy holy hill?" and closes with "He that hath not put out his money to usury, nor taken bribes against the innocent: He that doth these things, shall…". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 14?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "A psalm for David. Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? or who shall rest in thy holy hill?" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 14?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Samuel 24Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Chronicles 16Shares people and themes with this chapterNehemiah 12Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

Deepen your understanding with these related articles

How to Pray

Hope Prayer: Catholic Faith Trust in God During Difficult Times

10 min readRead article
How to Pray

Intercessory Prayer and Divine Mercy: A Catholic Perspective

11 min readRead article
Bible & Faith

How to Use Faith to Embrace God's Mercy and Forgiveness

7 min readRead article
Explore All Articles