Psalm 14: Why Fools Deny God & How to Find Wisdom
Learning how to find wisdom begins with understanding ancient texts like Psalm 14. This profound biblical passage reveals the essence of human relationship with higher powers, offering timeless guidance for spiritual growth. David wrote it not just as a religious reflection, but as a prophecy relevant through millennia.
How to Find Wisdom in Prophecies About the Temple
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” These words begin Psalm 14, created by King David. Interestingly, David created two very similar psalms in his book: the first (Psalm 14) refers to Nebuchadnezzar, and the second (Psalm 53) to Titus.
In this psalm, David prophesies about Nebuchadnezzar, who would enter the Temple and destroy it, with not one soldier from his army opposing this. The words “There is no God” echo the arrogant statement “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds.” Such an attitude leads these people to become “corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; there is none who does good.”
God’s View: How to Find Wisdom Through Divine Perspective
The psalm continues with words that the Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. However, the picture is disheartening: “They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one.”
This vividly illustrates the situation in Nebuchadnezzar’s army – not one person stood against the unrighteous actions of their ruler. They all “turned to rot,” abandoning moral principles.
Awareness of Consequences
The psalm asks a rhetorical question: “Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge?” This indicates that eventually, awareness of consequences comes to those who do evil.
“Those who devour my people as they eat bread, and do not call on the Lord” – these lines refer to the descendants of Nebuchadnezzar. Interestingly, the word “bread” (לחם) here means “feast,” similar to what Belshazzar held, as mentioned in Daniel 5:1. They feasted without remembering the Lord, not considering His wonderful and fearful deeds, and even used the sacred vessels from the Temple.
Fear is Inevitable
“There they are in great fear.” These words point to the retribution that befell Belshazzar, king of Babylon. As stated in Daniel 5:6: “Then the king’s countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other.”
The sages also explain that pagans who did not rob Israel did not find pleasant taste in their food. “Those who devour my people” felt as if they were eating bread – they experienced a pleasant taste.
How to Find Wisdom: Trust in God Versus Mockery
“You shame the counsel of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge.” These lines show the conflict between those who consider trust in God shameful and the conviction of the righteous that the Lord is their protection.
Hope for Deliverance
The psalm ends with hope for salvation: “Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord brings back the captivity of His people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.”
These words foretell the day when the Lord will bring deliverance to Israel, and then the people will rejoice. In the context of the prophecy about Nebuchadnezzar, this points to future restoration after exile.
Relevance of Psalm 14: How to Find Wisdom Today
The idea that denying God in one’s heart leads to moral decline remains relevant in all times. The psalm shows that such denial leads to corruption, injustice, and ultimately to fear and retribution.
What is especially important in this psalm is the contrast between those who deny God and do iniquity, with those who rely on the Lord as their refuge. The former may mock the latter, but in the end, the righteous will rejoice. This teaches us how to find wisdom through perseverance in faith despite opposition.
The psalm also teaches us that God carefully observes humanity, seeking those who strive for understanding and seek Him. It reminds us of the importance of moral position in the face of evil and that silent complicity in unrighteous deeds actually makes us part of them.
Reflecting on this psalm, we might ask ourselves: how often do we stand aside when we see injustice? How ready are we to stand up for truth, even if it means opposing the majority? These questions guide us on how to find wisdom in our daily moral choices.
Source: Tehillim (Psalms) – Chapter 14
Afterword: The text of this article has not been approved by any sage, Torah scholar, or rabbi and is merely a simplified adaptation of the sacred text for general understanding. For comprehension of true wisdom and a deeper understanding of the original text, you should refer to the sources.
This and all other article texts of the Mega-Charity.Org resource express only the personal opinions of the authors who compiled them. They are intended only for general and superficial understanding of the real sources of wisdom. References to which are provided.
