Tag: Psalm14
The fool in Scripture
Scripture reading for June 6th: Psalms 13-18
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” Psalm 14:1
The fool in Scripture is the one who denies the existence of God. Why would anyone want to deny that God exists? Isn’t God the one who made each person? Hasn’t God placed eternity in the hearts of all men? (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Isn’t God evident to all through creation, who’s voice has gone out to all mankind? (Psalm 19:2-4) The reason this kind of fool exists isn’t because of an intellectual problem. It isn’t because there is a lack of proof that God is really real! It is something much deeper than that!
According to Psalm 14, the reason the fool says that there is no God is because of corruption of character. These people are vile and do not do anything that would be considered ‘good’ in God’s sight. These people are not seeking God so that they do not have to answer for their wicked deeds. They prefer their corruption and want no ‘God’ to interfere with their evil ways of living. It is very convenient to do away with God or any knowledge of Him. That way God sort of goes away in their thinking. This liberates them from responsibility and possible judgment.
The Apostle Paul describes the fool’s way of thinking in Romans 1:18-23. These people have known about God and His ways but have suppressed this truth in unrighteousness. Having suppressed truth, the lie based on their own futile thinking darkens their hearts and souls. The lie is that there is no God! God allows them to follow their darkened understanding and worship creatures and creation rather than the creator. (Romans 1:21-23) They go deeply into idolatry.
The next step is sexual perversion. (Romans 1:24-27) When a person rejects God because of their wickedness, God allows that person to be deluded and go deeply into perversion and further depravity in the breaking of God’s laws. This results in all kinds of sexual sin, lying, greed, envy, malice, strife, and idolatry. It is where every ‘fool’ in Scripture ends up without the grace of God.
Men and women have no excuse for staying a fool however. God is always ready to save, heal and forgive. We must humble ourselves and admit that He exists and that He will reward and forgive those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) God would rather forgive and show mercy than to judge. If you have been foolish in your words or attitudes about God, take time today and repent. God is faithful and just and will forgive you! (1st John 1:7-9)