The verse doesn't just state that the wicked deny God; it emphasizes this denial happens "in his heart," meaning it's a deeply held internal belief, not just a spoken opinion. This practical atheism, living as if God doesn't exist or doesn't matter, is the root cause for their corruption and "abominable deeds."
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Psalm opens by describing the profound corruption and practical atheism of humanity, where individuals dismiss God from their hearts and lives. The Psalmist argues that this denial of God's existence or His active governance leads to a widespread depravity and a complete absence of genuine goodness. This bleak picture sets the stage for the Psalm's later turn towards hope in God's eventual deliverance and restoration.
We often think of a 'fool' as someone who doesn't know better. But in Scripture, it's far more serious. This verse reveals a deeper, dangerous kind of foolishness.
The Hebrew word used here for 'fool' (nabal) doesn't just mean someone lacking intelligence. It points to a profound moral perversity, a wilful turning away from wisdom.
A Choice, Not an Accident
This isn't about someone accidentally stumbling into disbelief. It's a deliberate, internal conclusion: 'There is no God.' This isn't necessarily a denial of God's existence for some, but a rejection of His rule and providence. It’s living as if God isn't watching, judging, or involved in the world.
Think of it like this: a brilliant engineer might know the principles of bridge-building, but if they refuse to acknowledge gravity, their designs will fail. Similarly, rejecting God's rule, even if you intellectually acknowledge His existence, leads to a flawed, corrupt way of life.
This psalm doesn't just describe a thought; it links that thought to a devastating outcome. What happens when people truly live as if God isn't there?
The psalm makes a stark connection: the 'fool' who says 'There is no God' is also described as 'corrupt' and doing 'abominable works.' This isn't a coincidence; it's a cause and effect.
The Erosion of Morality
When the ultimate moral authority and judge is dismissed, the foundations of right and wrong begin to crumble. Without accountability to a holy God, what stops someone from descending into corruption and actions that are detestable?
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This leads to a universal indictment: 'there is none who does good.' This highlights the pervasive nature of sin when God's governance is rejected.
Understand the original words
nabal · Hebrew Noun
In the Bible, this refers not to an intellectual deficiency, but to a moral and spiritual deficiency—one who lives, acts, and thinks as if God does not exist or does not matter. It describes a person who has rejected God’s authority and moral law.
shachath · Hebrew Verb
State of being rotten, morally depraved, or spiritually ruined. In Scripture, it describes the pervasive nature of sin affecting human nature and actions, often in the context of idolatry or rebellion against God.
toebah · Hebrew Noun
Things that are morally detestable, loathsome, or offensive, particularly to God. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe idolatry or ethical practices that violate God’s covenantal holiness.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament (YHWH). It signifies His self-existence, His faithfulness to His promises, and His redemptive relationship with His people.
beney adam · Hebrew Noun phrase
Humanity in general; the collective race descended from Adam. It emphasizes the creaturely, finite, and fallible nature of mankind in relation to their Creator.
sakal · Hebrew Verb
Refers to spiritual discernment or wisdom. To have this is to possess the ability to perceive reality from God’s perspective, resulting in a life lived in accordance with His truth.
darash · Hebrew Verb
The act of earnestly pursuing, inquiring, or searching for God’s presence, will, and truth. It implies a heart directed toward God in worship and dependence.
This passage echoes the idea that when people reject God, they are given over to a depraved mind, mirroring the 'fool' in Psalms who denies God and consequently acts corruptly.
Romans 3:10-12The apostle Paul directly quotes and applies verses from Psalms 14, emphasizing the universal fallenness of humanity and the absence of anyone who truly seeks God and does good.
Genesis 6:5-6This passage describes the extreme wickedness of humanity before the flood, where 'every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually,' a state of deep corruption that aligns with the psalmist's description of those who deny God.
Titus 1:16This verse describes those who claim to know God but deny Him by their actions, a practical atheism that resonates with the 'fool' in Psalms who lives as if there is no God, leading to corrupt deeds.
poolePsalms 14:1: "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good."
The design of this Psalm is to describe and bewail the terrible wickedness and corruption of mankind, and especially of ungodly men, and of his own enemies. David showeth the atheism and corruption of men, Psalm 14:1-3 . He convinceth the wicked by the light of conscience, Psalm 14:4-6 ; and longeth for the sa…
ellicottPsalms 14:1: "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good."
(1) Fool. —Heb., nabal, from a root meaning “to wither;” hence flat, insipid ( insipiens ) . But this is not therefore speculative atheism, but practical—a denial of the moral government of God—so that fool and wicked become almost synonymous. They have done abominable works.—Literally, they have made to be ab…
The verse doesn't just state that the wicked deny God; it emphasizes this denial happens "in his heart," meaning it's a deeply held internal belief, not just a spoken opinion. This practical atheism, living as if God doesn't exist or doesn't matter, is the root cause for their corruption and "abominable deeds."
This Psalm opens by describing the profound corruption and practical atheism of humanity, where individuals dismiss God from their hearts and lives. The Psalmist argues that this denial of God's existence or His active governance leads to a widespread depravity and a complete absence of genuine goodness. This bleak picture sets the stage for the Psalm's later turn towards hope in God's eventual deliverance and restoration.
This Psalm opens by describing the profound corruption and practical atheism of humanity, where individuals dismiss God from their hearts and lives. The Psalmist argues that this denial of God's existence or His active governance leads to a widespread depravity and a complete absence of genuine goodness. This bleak picture sets the stage for the Psalm's later turn towards hope in God's eventual deliverance and restoration.
"The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand,…" — The verse doesn't just state that the wicked deny God; it emphasizes this denial happens "in his heart," meaning it's a deeply held internal belief, not just a spoken opinion. This practical atheism,…
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Last reviewed October 2026
