Psalms 14:1-3
Psalm 14 ▼▼sn Psalm 14. The psalmist observes that the human race is morally corrupt. Evildoers oppress God’s people, but the psalmist is confident of God’s protection and anticipates a day when God will vindicate Israel.
For the music director, by David.
1 Fools say to themselves, ▼▼tn Heb “a fool says in his heart.” The singular is used here in a collective or representative sense; the typical fool is envisioned.
“There is no God.” ▼ They sin and commit evil deeds; ▼
▼tn Heb “they act corruptly, they make a deed evil.” The verbs describe the typical behavior of the wicked. The subject of the plural verbs is “sons of man” (v. 2). The entire human race is characterized by sinful behavior. This practical atheism—living as if there is no God who will hold them accountable for their actions—makes them fools, for one of the earmarks of folly is to fail to anticipate the long range consequences of one’s behavior.
none of them does what is right. ▼
▼tn Heb “there is none that does good.”
2 The Lord looks down from heaven ▼
▼sn The picture of the Lord looking down from heaven draws attention to his sovereignty over the world.
at the human race, ▼▼tn Heb “upon the sons of man.”
to see if there is anyone who is wise ▼
▼tn Or “acts wisely.” The Hiphil is exhibitive.
and seeks God. ▼▼sn Anyone who is wise and seeks God refers to the person who seeks to have a relationship with God by obeying and worshiping him.
3 Everyone rejects God; ▼
▼tn Heb “everyone turns aside.”
they are all morally corrupt. ▼
▼tn Heb “together they are corrupt.”
None of them does what is right, ▼
▼tn Heb “there is none that does good.”
not even one.
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