In the biblical context, the concept of "forgetting God" is generally viewed negatively, as it often leads to spiritual decline and moral decay. However, examining the scriptures from a different angle, one might consider the potential "benefits" or outcomes that arise when individuals or societies forget God, albeit these are ultimately detrimental in the grand narrative of the Bible.

1. Perceived Autonomy and Independence: When individuals or societies forget God, they may experience a sense of autonomy and independence. This perceived freedom allows them to pursue their desires without the constraints of divine commandments. In Judges 21:25, it is noted, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." This verse illustrates the human inclination to seek self-governance when divine authority is disregarded.

2. Temporary Prosperity and Success: Forgetting God can sometimes lead to temporary prosperity and success, as individuals focus on material gain and worldly achievements. In Psalm 73:12, the psalmist observes, "Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth." This suggests that those who neglect God may initially appear to thrive, accumulating wealth and enjoying a carefree life.

3. Cultural and Social Conformity: In societies where God is forgotten, there is often a strong emphasis on cultural and social conformity. This can lead to a sense of belonging and acceptance within the community. Romans 12:2 warns, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The pressure to conform can be seen as a benefit by those who prioritize societal acceptance over spiritual fidelity.

4. Moral Relativism and Flexibility: Forgetting God can lead to moral relativism, where ethical standards become flexible and subjective. This allows individuals to justify actions that would otherwise be condemned by biblical standards. Isaiah 5:20 states, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness." This moral flexibility can be appealing to those who wish to live without absolute moral constraints.

5. Avoidance of Conviction and Guilt: When God is forgotten, individuals may experience a reduction in feelings of conviction and guilt associated with sin. This can lead to a more comfortable and untroubled conscience in the short term. In Jeremiah 6:15, it is written, "Were they ashamed of the abomination they committed? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not even know how to blush." The absence of guilt can be seen as a benefit by those who wish to avoid the discomfort of acknowledging sin.

6. Focus on Human Achievement and Progress: Forgetting God often shifts the focus to human achievement and progress, emphasizing human potential and innovation. This can lead to advancements in technology, science, and culture, as seen in the account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:4, where people said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves." The pursuit of human progress can be enticing to those who prioritize earthly accomplishments.

While these perceived benefits may offer temporary satisfaction or success, the biblical narrative consistently warns of the ultimate consequences of forgetting God, urging believers to remain faithful and obedient to His commandments.Psalm 103:2
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 106:7
Our fathers understood not your wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of your mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.
Nave's Topical Index

The Benefits of an Early Piety
... The Benefits of an Early Piety. ... For as the forgetting God in scripture language,
implies a total neglect of our duty, in like manner remembering him signifies a ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the benefits of an early.htm

Matt. xxiii. 1-3.
... Since they were continually forgetting God's benefits, He commanded His marvellous
works to be inscribed on little tablets, and that these should be suspended ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxii matt xxiii 1-3.htm

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ...
... Wholly forgetting God's benefits, they must wage war against each other,
involving nations, and subjecting people to the Turk. And ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty second sunday after trinity.htm

Ephesians vi. 14
... [484] Better the history first. What then is the design of the history? The
Jews were continually forgetting God's benefits to them. ...
/.../homily xxiii ephesians vi 14.htm

Jesus Only
... an essential element of pure love. David's love showed itself in not
forgetting God's benefits. But this pure love soars beyond ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter xii jesus only.htm

Concerning the Neglect of the Commemoration.
... of Rome are in danger of forgetting past judgments ... much danger of men becoming
ungrateful to God, and through forgetfulness of His benefits not feeling ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxxxiv concerning the.htm

Holy Exercises of Contrition.
... And because Thy benefits were so many, I thought I ... to live in charity with my brethren;
not forgetting my own ... 9. O Mary, Mother of God, Mother of Jesus Christ ...
/.../holy exercises of contrition.htm

xiv. Upon the Love of God.
... "Must we then, forgetting our own ... answered by observing that the goodness of God
already exercised ... upon Him, and our expectation of future benefits, ought, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon xiii xiv upon the.htm

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ...
... THE BENEFITS IT CONFERS, AND THE EFFECTS RESULTING FROM IT ... we are fit to apprehend
and obtain the grace of God. "When," (as Augustine says), "forgetting our own ...
/.../chapter 12 necessity of contemplating.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... is a memorable example of the nature and benefits of importunate ... they were ever learning
and always forgetting, that prayer always brought God to their ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm

Is forgetting the past biblical? Does the Bible instruct us to forget the past? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about self-deception? | GotQuestions.org

Forgetting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus