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Psalms 14 and 53: A Godless Society

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The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. —Psalm 14:1

Psalms 14 and 53 are nearly identical.

Both describe the moral corruption of our world.

“The fool may profess God for social and business purposes, but ‘in his heart’ there is no room for a belief in God (see Rom. 1:20, 21).” Paul uses portions of this psalm to prove all are sinners. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Here is “a picture of God, contrary to the fool’s claims (v. 1), bending over the ramparts of heaven to scrutinize the activities of mortals (see Ps. 102:19). The world seems ripe for judgment, as in Noah’s time.” David questions why sinners foolishly think God does not see their actions (Psalm 14:4).

Paul amplified this text to show that many in his day denied the existence of Jehovah. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14). God will protect the believer, but terror will seize the wicked when He rises up in indignation and judges them (Psalm 14:5). These haughty men, who mocked those who believed in God, will finally recognize their mistake and tremble in fear (vv. 5, 6).

The ungodly who have profited without acknowledging God are the first to claim He does not exist. “And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?” (Psalm 73:11). David knows firsthand that God does exist.

He hopes Israel will eventually agree and achieve community salvation (Psalm 14:7). Unfortunately, Israel will lose its moral and ethical compass repeatedly, suffer exile, and ultimately fail as a nation under God. Today’s nations are rapidly approaching the same point. Lawlessness is rampant. The family unit has disintegrated, and with it, a sense of responsibility to anyone other than self. The nation that fails to recognize and uphold God’s laws will fall! “O joyful day, when He appears / With all His saints, to end their fears! / Our Lord will then His right obtain, / And in His kingdom ever reign.”