Psalms

Psalms 14: God sees our sinful hearts

Begin in prayer

Before we look at the fool's heart, let us ask God to expose our own need. Pray that He would humble our self confidence and show us the salvation found in Jesus.

Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked?” says the Lord Yahweh; “and not rather that he should return from his way, and live?

Ezekiel 18:23

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that every person needs the salvation which the LORD alone can give. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David describes the fool who says in his heart that there is no God and lives in corruption. The LORD looks down to see whether anyone understands and seeks Him, and His verdict leaves no one innocent. Workers of iniquity devour God's people and refuse to call on Him. Yet God is among the righteous, and the poor find their refuge in the LORD despite the wicked person's contempt. The song ends by longing for salvation from Zion and the joy of God's restored people.

As you read Psalms 14, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD sees that all have turned aside, and salvation must come from Him.

The fool's denial begins in his heart and appears in the deeds he does. This folly is rebellion against God, rather than a lack of intelligence. The LORD's search exposes the whole human race, leaving no one who can claim goodness before Him. Paul uses these words in Romans 3 verses 10 to 12 to show that everyone is under sin. The picture of eating God's people like bread makes cruelty seem as ordinary to the wicked as a meal. Their refusal to call on the LORD shows the same heart that began by denying Him. God stands with the righteous and becomes the poor person's refuge. The plea for salvation answers the need that human corruption has exposed.

How does Psalm 14 show us that the LORD sees that all have turned aside, and salvation must come from Him?

The LORD finds no one who does good.

His search leaves no room for someone to claim exemption from the verdict. Turning aside has touched every person, and the repeated denial rules out even one exception. We need saving mercy rather than a comparison with someone worse.

The LORD gives refuge to His people amid oppression.

Cruel people devour others while refusing to pray. Their contempt cannot remove the refuge the poor person has in the LORD. God is among the righteous, so the oppressors have reason to fear.

God's salvation gives His people reason to rejoice.

The last verse asks for the salvation of Israel from Zion. Restoration is the LORD's work and brings gladness to Jacob and Israel. The prayer turns from human ruin to the rescue God must provide.

Memorise

They have all gone aside. They have together become corrupt. There is no one who does good, no, not one.

Psalm 14:3

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, where am I living as though Jesus cannot see my heart?

The LORD looks down, and the verdict is, “There is no one who does good, no, not one.” We are included in that judgment. Our best excuses cannot make a corrupt heart righteous before God.

Jesus is the righteous Savior we need. At the cross He died in His people's place, bearing their guilt and the punishment it deserved. God raised Him up in triumph over death. His obedience and sacrifice have answered their guilt once for all, so salvation is received through faith rather than earned.

Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. He forgives all who seek their righteousness in Him. Stop waiting until you can present a better record. The Lord who exposes our ruin also gives the salvation for which this song longs.

Parent's note

Tell your children that every person needs the salvation which the LORD alone can give. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He gives salvation to people who cannot make themselves righteous. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin.

John 8:34

Holy God, Your verdict exposes the sin in every heart, including ours. Please give us repentance and faith in Jesus. Thank You that His righteousness and sacrifice are enough for guilty people. Keep us from treating anyone cruelly, and teach us to seek Your help through this week. Amen.