Psalms 14

Chapter Summary

Psalms 14 begins by declaring that the fool says in his heart, 'There is no God' (Psalms 14:1). The psalmist then describes the corruption and wickedness of humanity, noting that God looks down from heaven to see if there are any who understand and seek Him (Psalms 14:2-3). The chapter also touches on the idea that God is present among His people, and that He will one day judge the wicked (Psalms 14:4-6). The psalm concludes with a expression of longing for God's salvation and a call for God to restore the fortunes of His people (Psalms 14:7).

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 14 is part of the first book of Psalms, which focuses on the theme of God's kingship and sovereignty. The chapter serves as a warning to the ungodly and a comfort to the faithful, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and worshiping God. In the larger biblical narrative, Psalms 14 looks forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who would bring salvation to God's people.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Psalms 14, we are reminded of the importance of acknowledging and worshiping God. We must beware of the foolishness of denying God's existence, and instead seek to understand and follow Him. May we express our longing for God's salvation, and may we be comforted by His presence among His people.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 14 warns us about the dangers of denying God's existence and emphasizes the importance of seeking and worshiping Him. The chapter highlights the corruption and wickedness of humanity, but also affirms God's presence among His people. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to beware of foolishness and to seek God's salvation, as expressed in Psalms 14:7.

Voices from the Church

“The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'; but the wise man says in his heart, 'There is a God, and I will seek Him'.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The corruption of humanity is so great that we are all inclined to wickedness, and it is only by the grace of God that we are restrained from it.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Foolishness of Denying God (Psalms 14:1-3) — The psalmist introduces the theme of the fool who denies God's existence, emphasizing the corruption and wickedness that follows from it.
2. The Corruption of Humanity (Psalms 14:2-3) — The chapter highlights the depravity of humanity, noting that God looks down from heaven to see if there are any who understand and seek Him.
3. The Presence of God among His People (Psalms 14:4-6) — The psalmist affirms God's presence among His people, emphasizing His judgment and salvation.
4. The Longing for God's Salvation (Psalms 14:7) — The chapter concludes with an expression of longing for God's salvation, highlighting the importance of redemption and restoration for God's people.
5. Conclusion (Psalms 14:7) — The psalmist's expression of longing for God's salvation serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking and worshiping God.

Core Doctrines

Total Depravity

Psalms 14 highlights the corruption and wickedness of humanity, emphasizing the need for God's salvation and redemption. This doctrine is reinforced by the psalmist's description of the wicked as 'corrupt' and 'vile'.

God's Sovereignty

The chapter affirms God's presence and judgment, emphasizing His sovereignty over all things. This doctrine is reinforced by the psalmist's statement that God looks down from heaven to see if there are any who understand and seek Him.

Salvation

The psalmist's expression of longing for God's salvation highlights the importance of redemption and restoration for God's people. This doctrine is reinforced by the chapter's emphasis on the need for God's salvation and redemption.

The Nature of God

Psalms 14 emphasizes God's character, highlighting His presence, judgment, and salvation. This doctrine is reinforced by the psalmist's description of God as a God who looks down from heaven and seeks those who understand and follow Him.

Lessons from Psalms 14

1. The Importance of Acknowledging God — Psalms 14 reminds us of the importance of acknowledging and worshiping God, and warns us against the foolishness of denying His existence.
2. The Corruption of Humanity — The chapter highlights the depravity of humanity, emphasizing the need for God's salvation and redemption.
3. The Presence of God among His People — The psalmist affirms God's presence among His people, emphasizing His judgment and salvation.
4. The Longing for God's Salvation — The chapter concludes with an expression of longing for God's salvation, highlighting the importance of redemption and restoration for God's people.
5. The Warning against Foolishness — Psalms 14 serves as a warning to the ungodly, emphasizing the foolishness of denying God's existence and the importance of seeking and worshiping Him.

Themes from Psalms 14

1. The Foolishness of Denying God — The psalmist introduces the theme of the fool who denies God's existence, emphasizing the corruption and wickedness that follows from it.
2. The Corruption of Humanity — The chapter highlights the depravity of humanity, noting that God looks down from heaven to see if there are any who understand and seek Him.
3. The Presence of God among His People — The psalmist affirms God's presence among His people, emphasizing His judgment and salvation.
4. The Longing for God's Salvation — The chapter concludes with an expression of longing for God's salvation, highlighting the importance of redemption and restoration for God's people.
5. The Warning against Foolishness — Psalms 14 serves as a warning to the ungodly, emphasizing the foolishness of denying God's existence and the importance of seeking and worshiping Him.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the psalmist mean by the term 'fool' in Psalms 14:1?
2. How does the chapter describe the corruption and wickedness of humanity?
3. What does the psalmist mean by the phrase 'God is present among His people' in Psalms 14:5?
4. What is the significance of the psalmist's expression of longing for God's salvation in Psalms 14:7?
5. How does Psalms 14 relate to the larger biblical narrative, particularly in regards to the coming of Jesus Christ?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 14

	Sermon	Description
	(Mount Vernon) the Creation in Genesis by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness and sovereignty of God, using the creation of the sun and moon as an example. He quotes verses from Genesis, John, and Romans
	Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala	This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl
	A Foolish Time Demands an Answer by Carter Conlon	Carter Conlon emphasizes that we are living in a foolish time that demands a response from Christians. He highlights the increasing immorality and mockery of morality in society, u
	Human, All to Human by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God and recognizing that our jobs and professions are actually provisions from God for His redemptive purposes. The
	Spiritual Warfare - 1 "The Battle" by Jim Logan	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a troubled young man who experienced a downward spiral in his life due to the influence of evil spirits. The speaker empha
	Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou
	Evidence for the Existence of God by Charlie Campbell	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the evidence for the existence of God. He begins by mentioning that the sermon transcript is available online for easy reference. The speaker
	Biblical Basis of Original Sin Extensively by John Murray	In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the universal sinfulness of humanity. He quotes various passages from the Bible, such as Romans 3:23 and Ecclesiastes 7:20, to sup
	A Reprobate Mind by Eli Brayley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting our minds in the right place and thinking properly. He warns against turning away from truth and sound doctrine, w
	God Is Good by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt, where he was falsely accused and throw

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 14

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 14 emphasizes the foolishness of denying God's existence and the importance of seeking and worshiping Him. Henry notes that the psalmist's description of the wicked as 'corrupt' and 'vile' serves as a warning to the ungodly, while also comforting the faithful. He also highlights the significance of the psalmist's expression of longing for God's salvation, emphasizing the importance of redemption and restoration for God's people. As Henry notes, 'The Lord is King, and He will deliver His people' (Psalms 14:7), which serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and salvation. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?