Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+014
Psalm 14 (ESV)
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
there is none who does good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,
to see if there are any who understand,
who seek after God.
3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one.
4 Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers
who eat up my people as they eat bread
and do not call upon the Lord?
5 There they are in great terror,
for God is with the generation of the righteous.
6 You would shame the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is his refuge.
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
REFLECTION:
- The Hebrew word for “fool” describes a person whose heart is closed to God and whose life is characterized by gross immorality. It reminds us of Paul’s teaching that anyone who does not acknowledge God will become corrupt and does “vile” deeds (Rom 1).
- When the fools say “No” to God, they are actually telling God that they know better and are more powerful than God. Thus, they are cutting themselves off from the abundant life and blessings God intends to give them.
- The most stupid thing a person can do is to keep God outside of his life. Think about those in your family and friends who are avoiding or denying God. Pray for them that God will enlighten them to know and experience God’s love for them. Ask that God will make you a living testimony to this truth.
PRAYER:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.
HYMN:
Fools – www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ96kZuuKAs
