Psa 14 | MHM | STEP | The Folly and Corruption of Mankind This psalm helps us to understand how serious and widespread sin is. Like Solomon searched to understand the foolishness and madness of people (Ecclesiastes 7:25 ), these verses show us that sin is a terrible disease affecting everyone. Sin is not just a problem for a few people; it is found in all humanity and brings both shame and harm. v. 1 : The psalm begins by showing how foolish sin is. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God . This is not always spoken out loud, but it is what some people secretly think or wish. Such a person tries to ignore God so they can do whatever they want without feeling guilty. The Bible calls this person a "fool" because ignoring God is the greatest mistake. Sinful thoughts like this lead people away from what is right. When people deny God, they start to do wrong things and do not care about being judged for their actions.

‏ Psalms 14

The Folly and Corruption of Mankind

This psalm helps us to understand how serious and widespread sin is. Like Solomon searched to understand the foolishness and madness of people (Ecclesiastes 7:25 ^a), these verses show us that sin is a terrible disease affecting everyone. Sin is not just a problem for a few people; it is found in all humanity and brings both shame and harm.

v. 1: The psalm begins by showing how foolish sin is. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God . This is not always spoken out loud, but it is what some people secretly think or wish. Such a person tries to ignore God so they can do whatever they want without feeling guilty. The Bible calls this person a "fool" because ignoring God is the greatest mistake. Sinful thoughts like this lead people away from what is right. When people deny God, they start to do wrong things and do not care about being judged for their actions.

v. 2: God looks down from heaven to see if anyone understands or seeks Him. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God . God sees everyone, not missing a single person. He is searching for someone who truly wants to know Him and do what is right. This shows that God knows our hearts and cares about our choices.

v. 3: The sad result is that they are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one . This means that everyone has turned away from God and become corrupt. People are not doing the good they were created for. Instead, sin has spread to all people, and their actions are called "abominable," which means very hateful to God (Jeremiah 44:4 ^b). This is true until God’s grace comes to change people’s hearts. When God first made the world, everything was very good (Genesis 1:31 ^c), but people quickly turned away, and now all have sinned (Genesis 6:5 ^d).

This psalm should make us feel sad about the sin in our own hearts and remind us how much we need God’s grace. Since we are naturally sinful, we should not be surprised that Jesus said, You must be born again (John 3:7 ^e).

The Folly and Danger of the Wicked

This section warns about the foolishness and danger of living in sin. The psalmist wants sinners to realize how serious their actions are, even if they feel safe. He also brings comfort to those who trust in the Lord, reminding them of God’s presence, protection, and the hope of salvation.

v. 4: The wicked are described in several ways. First, they are workers of iniquity—they plan and enjoy doing evil. Second, they eat up God's people as they eat bread; this means they attack believers as naturally as eating a meal, showing deep hatred because they hate God himself. They do this without any guilt or regret, just like Joseph’s brothers, who cast him into a pit and then sat down to eat bread (Genesis 37:24-25 ^f). See also (Micah 3:2-3 ^g). Third, they do not call upon the Lord. People who do not care about God’s people do not care about God either; their lack of prayer leads them into all kinds of evil. Fourth, they shame the counsel of the poor by mocking those who trust in God, as David’s enemies did (Psalm 11:1 ^h). People who make fun of faith and try to turn others away from it are very wrong. The Bible warns, Be you not mockers, lest your bands be made strong.

v. 5: The wicked show their foolishness because they have no knowledge. If they truly understood God and thought carefully, they would not be so cruel to God’s people.

v. 6: The wicked are also in danger. There they were in great fear (Psalm 14:5 ⁱ). When they attack God’s people, their own consciences trouble them, and they are filled with secret fear. Many times, those who persecute believers end up being afraid themselves, becoming terrors to themselves and others, like Pashur (Jeremiah 20:3-4 ^j). Those who do not fear God may end up being afraid of the smallest thing.

v. 7: The psalmist comforts God’s people by reminding them of what they have—God’s presence (Psalm 14:5 ^k) and protection: The Lord is their refuge (Psalm 14:6 ^l). This security is real, even if others mock their faith. In the end, God will show favor to the righteous, and their enemies will be ashamed. The psalmist also expresses hope for the future—the salvation of Israel (Psalm 14:7 ^m). When David had to flee from Absalom, he trusted that God would turn again his captivity and bring joy to his people. But this hope also looks forward to the coming of the Messiah, who will turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Romans 11:26 ⁿ). Even though the world is full of sin, the promise of the Redeemer brings hope for change and joy. When Christ returns, he will finally defeat sin and Satan. This hope should comfort all believers as they face the sins of others and their own suffering.