Psalms 14 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
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1The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
PSALM 14
Psa 14:1-7. The practical atheism and total and universal depravity of the wicked, with their hatred to the good, are set forth. Yet, as they dread God's judgments when He vindicates His people, the Psalmist prays for His delivering power.
1. Sinners are termed "fools," because they think and act contrary to right reason (Ge 34:7; Jos 7:15; Psa 39:8; 74:18, 22).
in his heart--to himself (Ge 6:12).
2The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
2. looked--in earnest enquiry.
understand--as opposed to "fool" [Psa 14:1].
3They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
3. filthy--literally, "spoiled," or, "soured," "corrupted" (Job 15:16; Ro 3:12).
4Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.
4-6. Their conduct evinces indifference rather than ignorance of God; for when He appears in judgment, they are stricken with great fear.
who eat up my people--to express their beastly fury (Pr 30:14; Ha 3:14). To "call on the Lord" is to worship Him.
5There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.
4-6. Their conduct evinces indifference rather than ignorance of God; for when He appears in judgment, they are stricken with great fear.
who eat up my people--to express their beastly fury (Pr 30:14; Ha 3:14). To "call on the Lord" is to worship Him.
6Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.
4-6. Their conduct evinces indifference rather than ignorance of God; for when He appears in judgment, they are stricken with great fear.
who eat up my people--to express their beastly fury (Pr 30:14; Ha 3:14). To "call on the Lord" is to worship Him.
7Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
7. captivity--denotes any great evil.
Zion--God's abode, from which He revealed His purposes of mercy, as He now does by the Church (compare Psa 3:4; 20:2), and which He rules and in which He does all other things for the good of His people (Ep 1:22).