1 <To the chief music-maker. Of David.> The foolish man has said in his heart, God will not do anything. They are unclean, they have done evil works; there is not one who does good.
2 The Lord was looking down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who had wisdom, searching after God.
3 They have all gone out of the way together; they are unclean, there is not one who does good, no, not one.
4 Have all the workers of evil no knowledge? they take my people for food as they would take bread; they make no prayer to the Lord.
5 Then were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the upright.
6 You have put to shame the thoughts of the poor, but the Lord is his support.
7 May the salvation of Israel come out of Zion! when the fate of his people is changed by the Lord, Jacob will have joy and Israel will be glad.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 14
Commentary on Psalms 14 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 14
Ps 14:1-7. The practical atheism and total and universal depravity of the wicked, with their hatred to the good, are set forth. Yet, as they dread God's judgments when He vindicates His people, the Psalmist prays for His delivering power.
1. Sinners are termed "fools," because they think and act contrary to right reason (Ge 34:7; Jos 7:15; Ps 39:8; 74:18, 22).
in his heart—to himself (Ge 6:12).
2. looked—in earnest enquiry.
understand—as opposed to "fool" [Ps 14:1].
3. filthy—literally, "spoiled," or, "soured," "corrupted" (Job 15:16; Ro 3:12).
4-6. Their conduct evinces indifference rather than ignorance of God; for when He appears in judgment, they are stricken with great fear.
who eat up my people—to express their beastly fury (Pr 30:14; Hab 3:14). To "call on the Lord" is to worship Him.
7. captivity—denotes any great evil.
Zion—God's abode, from which He revealed His purposes of mercy, as He now does by the Church (compare Ps 3:4; 20:2), and which He rules and in which He does all other things for the good of His people (Eph 1:22).