Psalm Category: Psalm of Lament

Central Thought: Psalm 14 reminds us that we are totally depraved. The psalm calls us to seek deliverance from this condition in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that we cannot trust in ourselves; rather, we must look to Zion for our deliverance.

Key Word:Nabal (v. 1). This word is translated “fool” in verse 1. Nabal has a variety of meanings, all of which are pejorative. Nabal may be used to describe one who acts shamefully, disgracefully, or insensibly. Proverbs employs the term as a contrast to wisdom (Prov. 17:7, 21 and 30:22, 32). However, its most poignant use is as a description of those who deny God (Ps. 14:1; 53:1; and 74:22).

Psalm 14

The depravity of man and the consequences of atheism are apparent in Psalm 14.

The State of Man (vv. 1-3): Verses 1-3 outline the condition of mankind apart from God’s grace. These verses inform us that we are by nature theoretical and practical atheists.

Only a fool denies God in his heart (v. 1). The problem is that we are all fools (Rom. 1:21-22). By nature we deny God in our hearts. This is theoretical atheism, and those who practice it are called fools by God. However, don’t confuse the fool mentioned here with some simpleton. The Bible defines a fool as someone who seeks knowledge independently of God. According to the Bible, a person with a Ph.D. can be a fool. Remember, Adam and Eve became fools by attempting to gain wisdom apart from God (Gen. 3:6).

Although atheism begins in the mind, it does not remain there. Theoretical atheism inevitably leads to practical atheism. Verse 1 teaches us that those who say in their heart, “There is no God,” also act according to this presupposition; they are corrupt and vile in their conduct. Every time we sin, even as Christians, we are displaying the actions of a practical atheist. In our heart we say there is a God, but our disobedience proclaims the exact opposite. What do your actions proclaim?

Verses 2-3 provide us with a heavenly perspective. God is portrayed as looking down on mankind and finding no one who does good, not even one person. The universality of God’s condemnation of humanity cannot be avoided. We are all condemned in these verses. Can there be a more unambiguous proclamation of total depravity?

Will They Never Learn? (vv. 4-6): The heavenly perspective on mankind leads the psalmist to inquiry. He wonders in verse 4 why humanity cannot learn to acknowledge God and serve Him. These verses also represent a change in the flow of the psalm. In verses 1-3 we encounter universal language regarding the state of mankind. In verses 4-6 humanity is divided into two categories: the godless and the righteous. Humanity was once united in Adam, but after the Fall mankind was divided into two seeds: the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Gen. 3:15). These two seeds will remain in conflict until the return of Christ.

This conflict is evident in Psalm 14. Verse 4 tells us that the godless devour God’s people “as men eat bread,” and verse 6 states that evildoers “frustrate the plans of the poor” (NIV). It appears that the seed of the serpent has the upper hand, and even the saints are at risk of believing that the wicked will be victorious (Job 21:7-15).

Don’t miss verses 5-6, however. These verses tell us that, while it may seem like we are losing, God is present with the righteous and is their refuge. In addition, we know from the Bible that that the Lamb, and not the serpent, is the victor. The righteous will be delivered, and the godless will be overwhelmed with dread (v. 5).

In Search of Deliverance (v. 7): After surveying the state of man and the present plight of the righteous, the psalmist cries out for deliverance. However, he faces a dilemma. Deliverance can only come through a good man, and there is no one good, not even one. Therefore, the psalmist does not look to mankind for deliverance. He looks to the Lord. He seeks a deliverer who will come out of Zion.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 5 that the Bible is a tale of two men: Adam and Christ. We are all children of Adam by nature, but through the life and death of the Second Adam, Christ, the elect are made righteous. Jesus is the only good man and the only deliverer. He is the salvation that came out of Zion.

—Anthony T. Selvaggio