◄ Psalm 14 ►
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The Fool Says There Is No God (Psalm 53:1–6; Isaiah 59:1–17; Romans 3:9–20) For the choirmaster. Of David. 1 The foola says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. 2The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. 3All have turned away, they have together become corrupt;b there is no one who does good, not even one.c 4Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD. 5There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is in the company of the righteous. 6You sinners frustrate the plans of the oppressed, yet the LORD is their shelter. 7Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad! Footnotes: 1 a The Hebrew words rendered fool throughout the Psalms denote one who is morally deficient. 3 b LXX worthless 3 c Cited in Romans 3:10–12 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 14 Summary The Fool Says There Is No God Verses 1 – The Fool Says “There Is No God” David opens by describing the person who dismisses God. Their denial is not intellectual doubt but a deliberate choice that leads to corrupt and vile deeds. Verses 2–3 – Universal Corruption Seen by the LORD The LORD surveys the entire human race. Instead of finding seekers of righteousness, He sees that “all have turned away; all are alike corrupt” (v. 3). Verses 4–6 – The Foolish Oppress the Righteous, but God Is Their Refuge Evildoers devour God’s people “like bread.” Though the righteous seem powerless, the LORD stands with them and becomes their safe place. Verse 7 – Hope for Deliverance from Zion The psalm ends with a longing cry: salvation will come from Zion. When the LORD restores His people, rejoicing will fill Jacob and Israel. Psalm 14, attributed to David, provides a sobering reflection on the moral state of humanity and God's searching judgment. It contrasts the folly of those who deny God's existence with the steadfast faith of the righteous, emphasizing divine omniscience, judgment, and the hope for deliverance. Overview and Structure Psalm 14 moves from the folly of denying God (v. 1) to God’s global assessment (vv. 2-3), on to the clash between oppressors and the faithful (vv. 4-6), and culminates in hope (v. 7). Its tight, four-part design combines wisdom, lament, and praise. Authorship and Setting Superscribed “Of David,” the psalm likely reflects a time when moral collapse was obvious—perhaps Saul’s reign or the early monarchy, when idolatry and injustice surged. David pens a song that exposes sin yet ends with expectation. Textual Notes • “Fool” (Hebrew nabal) means one who is morally reckless, not merely uneducated. • “Corrupt” and “vile” (v. 1, Hebrew shachath and taʿab) convey rotten, spoiled behavior. • Psalm 53 is almost identical, replacing the covenant name “LORD” with “God” and altering a few lines—evidence of two liturgical traditions. • Verse 7’s phrase “restore the fortunes” can indicate either return from exile or any major reversal of hardship (Job 42:10). Key Themes 1. Denial of God leads to moral decay. 2. Sin is universal; no one is exempt. 3. God defends those who trust Him. 4. Final rescue originates in Zion—His chosen dwelling. The Fool in Biblical Thought In Scripture, a fool rejects God’s wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). Jesus uses the term of the rich man who lived for himself (Luke 12:20). The label is ethical and spiritual, not intellectual. God’s Universal Survey “The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men” (v. 2). Compare: • 2 Chronicles 16:9—“the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth.” • Romans 3:10-12—Paul quotes Psalm 14:1-3 to show humanity’s collective guilt. • Genesis 6:5—God’s earlier survey before the flood echoes here. Oppression of the Poor and God’s Defense Verse 4 paints tyrants who “eat up My people as they eat bread.” Similar imagery appears in Micah 3:1-3. Yet, “the LORD is the refuge of the righteous” (v. 6). Psalm 12 and Psalm 37 rehearse the same storyline: evil may look strong, but God shelters His own. Hope for Zion Mount Zion symbolizes God’s presence and promise (Psalm 132:13-18). Verse 7’s hope stretches beyond David’s day—pointing to the return from Babylon (Jeremiah 30:18), but also further, to the ultimate salvation when the Messiah rules from Zion (Isaiah 2:2-4; Revelation 14:1). Connections to the New Testament • Romans 3:10-12 treats Psalm 14 as proof that everyone needs Christ. • 1 Corinthians 1:25-29 shows that what the world calls foolish—faith in a crucified Savior—outshines human wisdom. • Jesus embodies the refuge promised in verses 5-6 (John 10:27-30). Archaeological Insights In David’s era (around 1000 BC), Canaanite shrines and local “high places” fostered godlessness. Excavations at sites like Tel Dan and Lachish reveal idolatrous figurines contemporary with early Israel. The psalm’s complaint about corruption fits a culture where people mixed Yahweh worship with pagan rites, eroding justice and care for the poor. Practical Application for Today • Refusing God still leads to moral chaos. Modern culture’s denial of accountability mirrors the fool’s mindset. • God sees every heart. His verdict of universal sin levels all boasting and presses us toward grace. • The faithful may feel outnumbered, but the LORD remains their safe place. • Ultimate deliverance is certain. History is moving toward the day when the King reigns from Zion and joy fills His people. Connections to Additional Scriptures Romans 3:10-12 Paul echoes Psalm 14 in his exposition of human sinfulness, emphasizing the need for God's grace. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. This verse complements the theme of wisdom versus folly. Isaiah 53:6 We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. This highlights the universal need for redemption. Teaching Points The Fool's Denial of God Psalm 14:1 states, The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' This verse highlights the spiritual blindness and moral corruption that result from denying God's existence and authority. Universal Corruption Verses 2-3 reveal God's perspective on humanity: The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. This underscores the universal nature of sin and the need for divine intervention. God's Judgment and Deliverance In verses 4-6, David contrasts the wicked who oppress God's people with the righteous who find refuge in the Lord. Despite the apparent triumph of evil, God is with the righteous and will ultimately deliver them. Hope for Salvation The psalm concludes with a hopeful plea in verse 7: Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When the LORD restores His people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. This anticipates God's redemptive work and the joy of His people. Practical Applications Acknowledge God's Sovereignty Recognize the folly of denying God and affirm His existence and authority in every aspect of life. Seek God Diligently Cultivate a heart that seeks understanding and pursues a relationship with God, countering the natural tendency to turn away. Trust in God's Justice In the face of injustice and oppression, trust that God sees all and will ultimately vindicate the righteous. Rejoice in Salvation Embrace the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ, who fulfills the longing for deliverance expressed in this psalm. People 1. The Fool The psalm begins with "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1). In Hebrew, the word for "fool" is "נָבָל" (nabal), which implies someone who is morally deficient or senseless, particularly in denying God's existence. 2. The LORD The psalm refers to the LORD, who looks down from heaven to see if there are any who understand or seek God (Psalm 14:2). The Hebrew name used here is "יהוה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and relationship with His people. 3. The Righteous Although not explicitly named in the early verses, the psalm contrasts the wicked with the righteous, implying their existence. The righteous are those who seek God and are contrasted with the corrupt and those who do evil (Psalm 14:5). 4. The People of God The psalm speaks of the "generation of the righteous" and "the poor" who are oppressed by the wicked (Psalm 14:5-6). These are the faithful followers of God who are often marginalized or afflicted by those who deny God. 5. The Wicked The psalm describes the wicked as those who "devour my people like bread" and do not call upon the LORD (Psalm 14:4). They are characterized by their corruption and lack of understanding. 6. The Refuge of the Poor The psalm mentions that "the LORD is their refuge" (Psalm 14:6), referring to the poor and oppressed who find protection and hope in God. Places 1. The Heart of the Fool The Psalm begins with "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1). This "place" is metaphorical, representing the inner spiritual state of disbelief and moral corruption. In Hebrew, the word for "heart" is "לֵב" (lev), which often signifies the center of thought and moral decision-making. 2. The Lord's Observation Point "The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God." (Psalm 14:2). This suggests a divine vantage point, where God observes humanity. The Hebrew word for "heaven" is "שָׁמַיִם" (shamayim), indicating the divine realm or God's dwelling place. 3. The Assembly of the Righteous While not explicitly named, the Psalm contrasts the wicked with the righteous, implying a community or gathering of those who seek God. This can be seen in the hope expressed in verse 5: "For God is in the company of the righteous." The Hebrew word for "company" is "דּוֹר" (dor), which can mean a generation or a group of people. 4. Zion The Psalm concludes with a reference to Zion: "Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!" (Psalm 14:7). Zion is a significant biblical location, often symbolizing God's holy hill or the city of Jerusalem. In Hebrew, "צִיּוֹן" (Tziyon) is both a physical place and a symbol of God's presence and salvation. Events 1. The Fool's Denial of God "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1) The Hebrew word for "fool" here is "נָבָל" (nabal), which implies moral deficiency rather than mere lack of intelligence. This event highlights the spiritual and moral corruption of those who deny God's existence. 2. Corruption and Abominable Deeds "They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good." (Psalm 14:1) The Hebrew word for "corrupt" is "שָׁחַת" (shachat), indicating moral decay. This event describes the universal sinfulness and moral failure of humanity. 3. God's Observation from Heaven "The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God." (Psalm 14:2) This event portrays God as actively observing humanity, searching for those who seek Him. The Hebrew verb "שָׁקַף" (shaqaf) suggests a careful and discerning examination. 4. Universal Depravity "All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one." (Psalm 14:3) This event emphasizes the total depravity of mankind, echoing the earlier statement of universal sinfulness. The Hebrew word "סָר" (sar) means to turn aside or deviate from the right path. 5. The Oppression of God's People "Will the evildoers never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD." (Psalm 14:4) This event highlights the oppression and exploitation of God's people by the wicked. The imagery of devouring "like bread" suggests a habitual and unthinking consumption. 6. The Presence of God with the Righteous "There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is in the company of the righteous." (Psalm 14:5) This event reassures that God is present with the righteous, causing fear among the wicked. The Hebrew word "דּוֹר" (dor) refers to a generation or company, indicating God's protective presence. 7. The Frustration of the Wicked's Plans "You sinners frustrate the plans of the oppressed, yet the LORD is their shelter." (Psalm 14:6) This event contrasts the wicked's attempts to thwart the oppressed with God's role as a refuge. The Hebrew word "מָחוֹס" (machaseh) means shelter or refuge, emphasizing divine protection. 8. The Hope for Salvation from Zion "Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!" (Psalm 14:7) This final event expresses a longing for deliverance and restoration, with Zion symbolizing the source of divine salvation. The Hebrew word "יְשׁוּעָה" (yeshuah) means salvation or deliverance, pointing to God's ultimate redemption. Lessons from Psalm 14 1. The Reality of Foolishness Psalm 14 begins with a stark declaration: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1). This isn't just about intellectual disbelief; it's a heart issue. Recognizing the folly of denying God is the first step toward wisdom. Embrace the truth that acknowledging God is foundational to understanding life and purpose. 2. The Universality of Sin The psalmist reminds us that "They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt" (Psalm 14:3). This universal condition of sin affects everyone. It's a humbling reminder that we all need grace and redemption. Let this awareness drive you to seek God's mercy and extend grace to others. 3. The Search for Righteousness God looks down from heaven to see if there are any who understand, any who seek Him (Psalm 14:2). This divine search highlights the importance of pursuing righteousness. Make it your daily goal to seek God in all you do, knowing that He is actively looking for those who earnestly seek Him. 4. The Absence of Goodness Without God The psalmist declares, "There is no one who does good, not even one" (Psalm 14:3). This isn't to discourage but to point us to the source of true goodness—God Himself. Recognize that apart from Him, our efforts fall short. Lean on His strength to do good and reflect His character. 5. The Consequences of Ignorance "Will the evildoers never learn?" (Psalm 14:4). Ignorance of God leads to destructive behavior. This lesson encourages us to be lifelong learners of God's Word, allowing His wisdom to guide our actions and decisions. Stay informed and let Scripture illuminate your path. 6. The Assurance of God's Presence The psalmist assures us, "God is present in the company of the righteous" (Psalm 14:5). This is a comforting reminder that we are never alone. In every challenge and triumph, God's presence is with us. Cultivate an awareness of His presence in your daily life, drawing strength and peace from it. 7. The Hope of Deliverance "Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion!" (Psalm 14:7). This cry for deliverance points to the ultimate hope found in Jesus Christ. Rejoice in the salvation He offers and share this hope with others. Let your life be a testament to the transformative power of His deliverance. 8. The Joy of Restoration "When the LORD restores His people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!" (Psalm 14:7). Restoration brings joy and gladness. Embrace the promise of restoration in your life, knowing that God is in the business of making all things new. Celebrate the small victories and anticipate the ultimate restoration to come. 9. The Call to Righteous Living The psalm challenges us to live righteously in a world that often turns away from God. Stand firm in your faith, knowing that your righteous living is a testimony to God's goodness. Be a light in the darkness, reflecting His love and truth in every interaction. 10. The Invitation to Trust Ultimately, Psalm 14 invites us to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Despite the world's chaos, God remains in control. Place your trust in Him, confident that He is working all things for the good of those who love Him. Let this trust anchor your soul and guide your steps. Topics 1. The Folly of Denying God The psalm begins with the declaration that "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1). The Hebrew word for "fool" here is "נָבָל" (nabal), which implies moral deficiency rather than mere lack of intelligence. This sets the tone for the psalm, highlighting the spiritual blindness and moral corruption of those who reject God. 2. Universal Corruption The psalmist observes that "They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good." (Psalm 14:1). The Hebrew word for "corrupt" is "שָׁחַת" (shachat), indicating moral decay and ruin. This underscores the pervasive nature of sin and the universal need for divine intervention. 3. God's Omniscient Observation "The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God." (Psalm 14:2). This verse emphasizes God's omniscience and His active search for those who seek Him. The Hebrew verb "שָׁגַח" (shagach) conveys God's attentive and discerning observation. 4. The Absence of Righteousness "All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one." (Psalm 14:3). This reiterates the theme of universal sinfulness, echoing the sentiment found in Romans 3:10-12. The Hebrew word "סָר" (sar) means to turn aside or deviate, illustrating humanity's departure from righteousness. 5. The Oppression of God's People The psalmist laments, "Will evildoers never understand? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD." (Psalm 14:4). This highlights the persecution faced by the righteous and the spiritual blindness of the wicked. The Hebrew verb "אָכַל" (akal) for "devour" suggests a predatory and consuming nature. 6. The Fear of God Among the Wicked "There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is in the company of the righteous." (Psalm 14:5). This verse indicates that the wicked will ultimately recognize God's presence with His people, leading to fear and dread. The Hebrew word "פָּחַד" (pachad) conveys a sudden and overwhelming terror. 7. The Hope of Salvation The psalm concludes with a hopeful plea: "Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!" (Psalm 14:7). This expresses a longing for divine deliverance and restoration. The Hebrew word "יְשׁוּעָה" (yeshuah) for "salvation" signifies deliverance and victory, pointing to the ultimate hope found in God. Themes 1. The Folly of Denying God Psalm 14 begins with the declaration, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1). The Hebrew word for "fool" here is "נָבָל" (nabal), which implies moral deficiency rather than mere lack of intelligence. This theme highlights the spiritual and moral corruption inherent in denying God's existence. 2. Universal Corruption The psalm continues to describe humanity's fallen state: "They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good." (Psalm 14:1). The Hebrew word for "corrupt" is "שָׁחַת" (shachat), indicating a deep moral decay. This theme underscores the pervasive sinfulness of humanity. 3. God's Omniscience and Judgment "The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God." (Psalm 14:2). This theme emphasizes God's omniscience and His active role in discerning the hearts of men. The Hebrew verb "הִשְׁקִיף" (hishkif) suggests a careful and discerning observation. 4. The Absence of Righteousness "All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one." (Psalm 14:3). This theme reiterates the universal nature of sin, echoing the idea that apart from God, no one is righteous. 5. The Oppression of God's People The psalmist laments the oppression faced by the righteous: "Will evildoers never understand? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD." (Psalm 14:4). This theme highlights the persecution of believers and the spiritual blindness of the wicked. 6. God as the Refuge of the Righteous Despite the corruption and oppression, the psalm affirms God's protection: "But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is in the company of the righteous." (Psalm 14:5). This theme reassures believers of God's presence and support. 7. Hope for Salvation and Restoration The psalm concludes with a hopeful plea: "Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!" (Psalm 14:7). This theme anticipates God's ultimate deliverance and the joy of His people, reflecting a messianic hope rooted in the Hebrew word "יְשׁוּעָה" (yeshu'ah), meaning salvation. Prayer Points Repentance Pray for a heart of repentance, acknowledging areas where we have denied God's authority in our lives. Wisdom and Understanding Ask God for wisdom and understanding to seek Him earnestly and live according to His will. Strength and Courage Pray for strength and courage to stand firm in faith amidst a world that often denies God. Hope and Joy in Salvation Thank God for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and pray for joy and hope to fill our hearts as we await His ultimate deliverance. Answering Tough Questions 1. (Psalm 14:1) Why does the text label those who doubt God’s existence as “fools,” and what evidence supports this claim? 2. (Psalm 14:2) How can God observe all of humanity at once, and is there any scientific basis for such omniscience? 3. (Psalm 14:3) If “everyone has turned away,” how do we reconcile the idea of universal corruption with good deeds observed across different cultures? 4. (Psalm 14:5) What historical or archaeological evidence verifies the “dread” of the unrighteous that the psalmist describes? 5. (Psalm 14:7) Is there any concrete proof for the promise of salvation “coming out of Zion,” or is this purely a symbolic statement? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does it mean to say, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'"? How does this apply to today's society? 2. How does the disbelief in God lead to moral degeneration as described in the Psalm? 3. How does Psalm 14 describe the omniscience of God? How should this understanding influence our actions and decisions? 4. What does the Psalm teach about God's judgment? How should this shape our understanding of justice? 5. In what ways are the righteous threatened according to the Psalm, and how does God respond? 6. What does the Psalmist's cry for salvation suggest about the human condition? 7. How can the hope of deliverance and redemption be seen in today's world? 8. What lessons can we learn from the dichotomy of the righteous and the wicked in Psalm 14? 9. How does this Psalm challenge your own beliefs about God's existence and divine justice? 10. How might the themes in Psalm 14 inform your daily actions and decisions? 11. How does the corruption and immorality described in Psalm 14 compare to issues we see in today's society? 12. How does Psalm 14 inspire us to seek personal and societal transformation? 13. How can we cultivate the characteristics of the righteous as described in Psalm 14 in our daily lives? 14. What actions can we take in response to the message of divine judgment in the Psalm? 15. How does Psalm 14 guide our prayers, particularly our prayers for deliverance and justice? 16. How does the conclusion of Psalm 14 inspire hope and joy in the midst of challenging circumstances? 17. In what ways does Psalm 14 motivate you to be more conscious about the presence of God in your life? 18. How can we apply the themes of divine justice and hope for deliverance in our interactions with others? 19. How does Psalm 14 inform your understanding of redemption? 20. How can Psalm 14 serve as a guide for those grappling with the existence of God and the problem of evil in the world? 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