upon the sons of men
This term refers to humanity in general, emphasizing the universal scope of God's observation. The phrase "sons of men" is a common biblical expression for human beings, highlighting their earthly origin and nature (Genesis 6:2). It reflects the biblical theme of human accountability before God, as seen in Job 7:17-18, where God is attentive to human actions and thoughts.

to see if any understand
Understanding here implies spiritual insight and wisdom, particularly in recognizing and following God's ways. Proverbs 9:10 states that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," suggesting that true understanding is rooted in a relationship with God. This phrase challenges readers to self-reflect on their spiritual discernment and alignment with divine truth.

if any seek God
Seeking God involves a deliberate pursuit of a relationship with Him, characterized by faith and obedience. This phrase resonates with Jeremiah 29:13, where God promises that those who seek Him with all their heart will find Him. It underscores the biblical call to actively pursue God, contrasting with the natural human tendency to stray from Him. This pursuit is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who invites all to seek and find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30).

• The verse opens by naming “the LORD,” using the covenant name that reveals His self-existence and faithfulness (Exodus 3:14).

• Scripture consistently pictures Him as the unchanging ruler over all creation—“The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).

• By starting with “the LORD,” the psalm sets the tone: whatever follows flows from His holy character and sovereign authority (Isaiah 45:5-7).

• This is not distant indifference but active, personal observation: “From His dwelling place He watches all who live on the earth” (Psalm 33:14).

• As in Genesis 6:5 and 11:5, God “comes down” in judgment or mercy; nothing escapes His view (2 Chronicles 16:9).

• Heaven is His throne (Isaiah 66:1), so the vantage point underscores absolute supremacy while assuring believers that He remains engaged with earthly affairs.

• The phrase includes every human being, not merely Israel—echoing God’s universal concern found in Acts 17:26-27.

• Psalm 11:4 echoes the same surveillance: “His eyes behold, His gaze examines the sons of men.”

• Romans 3:9-12 cites Psalm 14 to prove that all humanity shares sin’s corruption; no one is exempt from divine scrutiny.

• “Understand” points to moral and spiritual insight, not mere intellect (Proverbs 9:10).

• God examines hearts, as 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

• Lack of understanding is a mark of folly in Scripture; Psalm 36:1-2 depicts the wicked as self-deceived because “there is no fear of God before his eyes.”

• Genuine understanding produces a God-ward pursuit. Jeremiah 29:13 promises, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

• Hebrews 11:6 affirms that God “rewards those who earnestly seek Him,” making seeking both a responsibility and a pathway to blessing.

• The tragic verdict of Romans 3:11—“There is no one who seeks God”—shows that apart from grace, none meet the standard Psalm 14:2 describes.

• Yet Scripture also celebrates exceptions birthed by divine mercy: Asa’s reforms (2 Chronicles 15:2), the Ninevites’ repentance (Jonah 3:5), and Cornelius’s prayers (Acts 10:2) illustrate God’s readiness to respond when people do seek Him.

Psalm 14:2 pictures the sovereign LORD surveying every human life from His heavenly throne, searching for hearts that truly grasp His truth and actively pursue Him. The verse exposes universal spiritual bankruptcy while affirming God’s intimate awareness of each person. It urges us to embrace true understanding—rooted in reverence—and to seek Him wholeheartedly, confident that He sees, knows, and responds.

Did understand.--Better, any man of understanding, in contrast with "fool," in Psalm 14:1, and certainly meaning one who regulates his conduct on the conviction of the existence of a holy and just God.