How does Psalm 14:4 describe the actions of those who ignore God? The Core Indictment Psalm 14:4: “Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour My people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD.” Key actions spelled out in the verse • “Workers of iniquity” – a deliberate, habitual commitment to wrongdoing. • “Devour My people like bread” – treating God’s people as something to be consumed for personal gain, with no more hesitation than eating a daily meal. • “Refuse to call upon the LORD” – intentional prayerlessness, a willful turning away from dependence on God. Devouring God’s People Like Everyday Bread • The image is routine: just as bread is eaten casually and frequently, the ungodly exploit others without a twinge of conscience (cf. Micah 3:3; Proverbs 30:14). • It points to predatory self-interest—people become resources to be used rather than neighbors to be loved (contrast Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34). A Life Without Prayer • “Refuse to call upon the LORD” marks the defining difference between the righteous and the wicked (Psalm 50:15; Jeremiah 10:21). • Prayerlessness is not mere forgetfulness; it is a declaration of independence from God (James 4:6). The Tragedy of Spiritual Ignorance • “Will they never learn?” shows that their ignorance is willful, not innocent (Romans 1:20–21). • By shutting God out, they also shut out wisdom, leading inevitably to moral collapse (Proverbs 1:29–31). Takeaway for Believers • Recognize exploitation for what it is—open rebellion against God. • Guard against casual prayerlessness; calling on the Lord is the mark of genuine faith (Psalm 145:18). • Trust that God sees and will vindicate His people even when the wicked seem to thrive (Psalm 14:5–7; 1 Peter 3:12). |
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