Psalm 14 & 53

The Observations of Three

Psalms 14 & 53

Introduction:

Have people turn to Psalm 14 as I read Psalm 53

When I read these Psalms I see observations made by three different groups

1. The fool
2. God
3. David

I.                   The Observations of a Fool v. 1

1.      There is no God

The word fool is not looked on lightly in the Scriptures.  Look at what it says:

Psalms 49:10-11, 92:5-6

Proverbs 10:8, 18, 23

Proverbs 12:15

Proverbs 13:6

Proverbs 14:3, 16

Proverbs 15:5-7

Proverbs 17:10, 12, 16, 21

Proverbs 18:2

Proverbs 26:1, 11

Proverbs 27:22

Proverbs 29:20

Scripture points out that even a fool should be able to look around him and see that God exists.

Says this in his heart, not necessarily with his lips

2.      His lifestyle

1)      Filled with corruption

Idea is that they have corrupted themselves

They answer to no higher authority than themselves

Leads to doing what is right in ones own eyes

Genesis 6:12 “So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

Judges 2:19 “And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they reverted and behaved more corruptly than their fathers, by following other gods, to serve them and bow down to them. They did not cease from their own doings nor from their stubborn way.

2)      Filled with abominable works

3)      Filled with evil (None who does good)

Adam Clarke summary:   “They are in a state of putrescence and they have done abominable works—the corruption of their hearts extends itself through all the actions of their lives. They are a plague of the most deadly kind; propagate nothing but destruction; and, like their father the devil, spread far and wide the contagion of sin and death. Not one of them does good. He cannot, for he has no Divine influence, and he denies that such can be received.

II.                 The Observations of God vv. 2-3

The eyes of the Lord

1.      Where they are:

Looking down from heaven on the children of men v. 2

The Bible has much to say about the eyes of the Lord

Genesis 6:5

Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Deut. 13:18 talks about doing right in the eyes of the Lord

2 Samuel 15:25 talks about finding favor in the eyes of the Lord

                        David found favor as did King Asa

Means much more to find favor in the eyes of the Lord than the eyes of men.

Proverbs 5:21

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He ponders all his paths.

Proverbs 15:3

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

2.      What they are looking for

1)      See if there are any who understand

2)      See if there are any who seek after God

3.      What they see

1)      All have turned aside

2)      All have become corrupt

3)      All are wicked:  None do good

Paul in Romans 3:10-12, 23

Contrast to the eyes of men who seem to see that there is a little bit of evil but mostly good in everyone.

Salvation by works believes that we are all capable of some good.  Yet if this were true would God not have seen “some good?”

III.              Observations of David vv. 4-7

1.      Do they have no knowledge?

Knowledge of what?

            *That God is looking over them

            *That they are fools

Have they given no thought to God?

*God will hold them accountable for “eating up my people”

*That they should call upon God

2.      They should be in fear v. 5

      God is with the righteous

      God is the refuge of the poor

3.  The salvation of God is needed in Israel