Psalm 14

For the director of music. Of David.

14 The fool a says in his heart,

“There is no God.”

They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;

there is no one who does good.

2 The Lord looks down from heaven

on the sons of men

to see if there are any who understand,

any who seek God.

3 All have turned aside,

they have together become corrupt;

there is no one who does good,

not even one.

4 Will evildoers never learn —

those who devour my people as men eat bread

and who do not call on the Lord?

5 There they are, overwhelmed with dread,

for God is present in the company of the righteous.

6You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,

but the Lord i
s their refuge.

7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!

When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,

let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

The Truth about the Human Race (vv 1-3)

Verse 1 has caused trouble for many people in light of the New Testament commandment in Matt 5:22.

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca, is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

But we must remember the perspective of this Psalm. This is making a statement about the entire human race. The word “fool” can mean “stupid” but when this particular word is used, is gives the meaning of one who morally bankrupt. It’s not just atheism; it’s acting as if there is no God. There are basically three kinds of “foolish” people:

1. Those (though not too many in number) who have denied the existence of God. This would be the stereotypical atheist.

2. Others who, without absolutely denying the divine existence, deny His power. In other words, they may not deny the presence or existence of God but may say He cannot be known. This is the agnostic.

3. There are others, who may accept both His existence and power, deny them in their heart, and live as if they were persuaded there was no God either to punish or reward. This is, sadly, where most professed Christians live.

Read vv. 2-3

This is the judgment of the human race. This is the truth about how far we have fallen from God’s perfect standard. This shows why we need saving!

The Truth about God’s Judgment (vv. 4-6)

· David is amazed by the arrogance of the wicked who think they can devour up the people of God as if they were eating bread and think they can get away with it.

· David has past precedent to show these “evildoers” the truth—look at all God had done for them.

· Yes, these people may enjoy a season of persecuting God’s people, but there is payday coming for He is our refuge!

o “Refuge” is the Hebrew word machceh (makh-seh’) which means “a shelter from danger” It even has very similar overtones to the Hebrew word used for “fortress”. He is our stronghold!

The Truth about Future Salvation (v 7)

· David is longing for the salvation that would one day come through His lineage—Jesus Christ!

· This salvation, from David’s prospective was still quite a ways away. But he looks forward to the days when all the remnants of Israel will be rejoined in glory of Jesus Christ!