Psalm 53

In the book of Proverbs we are taught: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 

When we rightly fear the Lord, revering his name, and honouring his word and his plan for our lives - it truly is the beginning of wisdom and understanding.

But what happens to the person who insists that there is no God?

This Psalm answers that question, in its opening line.

The fool says in his heart, 
‘There is no God.’
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile;
there is no one who does good.

God looks down from heaven
on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.

Do all these evildoers know nothing?

They devour my people as though eating bread;
they never call on God.
But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
where there was nothing to dread.
God scattered the bones of those who attacked you;
you put them to shame, for God despised them.

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When God restores his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

 Psalm 53 (NIV)

According to this Psalm, what is another consequence of denying the existence of God?

People become: Overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread.

Our world operates on a schedule of fear. People are afraid.

Let’s turn back to God. Let’s also pray for the people around us, to acknowledge God and experience his salvation.

As the Apostle John wrote, in one of his letters: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.