Homilist Psalm 14:1-7 The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that does good.… I. AS LAMENTABLY DEPRAVED. 1. A negative description of depravity. It is godless. All sinners are practical atheists. Practical atheism is a thousand times worse than theoretical. It is worthless. The essence of a good work lies in its motive; where God is not there is not, there cannot be, any virtuous motive. It is thoughtless. They do not think of the right subjects in the right way. It is prayerless. How should they call upon Him whose existence they practically deny? True prayer is a soul habitude, and thus the wicked never pray. 2. A positive description of it — Foolish. Sin and folly are convertible terms; what is morally wrong in principle must always be inexpedient in action. Widespread. The prevalence, but not absolute universality of depravity is implied. Undoubtedly real. Depravity is not a theological fiction, not a mere hypothesis, but a fact attested by Omniscience. Transgression. The depraved are called "workers of iniquity." They work at it habitually. Putrescent. The sinner is frequently represented in the Bible as dead. II. AS PROSPECTIVELY HOPEFUL. Deliverance was to come. There is a deliverance planned for the world. It will be — 1. Like an emancipation. 2. This deliverance is intensely desired. 3. It comes from God. 4. It will be the occasion of universal joy. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: {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. |
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