Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 14

This psalm of David examines the connection between foolishness (denial of God’s existence) and wickedness (outworking of oppressive acts). We can almost always draw a line from practical unbelief in God through inequality and injustice to perversion and oppression. It’s a downward slide, on which some travel faster than others.

1-3: Foolishness and Corruption

4-6: Wickedness and Oppression

7: Salvation and Restoration

David laments the dearth of righteous people in the land. The corrupt, he observes, begin by foolishly denying the existence of God. From there, it’s a downhill slide to corruption, wicked acts, and oppression. In verse 5, he briefly highlights how the wicked dwell in great dread because God is with the righteous (and not with them). The wicked oppressor often lives in permanent fear of becoming oppressed.

The Psalm closes with David longing for and envisioning a future of restoration of God’s people resulting in their joy and gladness.

Key takeaways:

1. God is alive, and He watches over the human affairs, even if some deny that
2. Those who deny God’s existence slide into wicked and oppressive behaviour
3. God is constantly watching over the righteous, leaving the wicked in dread
4. The righteous can long for God’s salvation, which brings them gladness!