“THE ATTITUDE OF THE FOOL” PSALM 53:1-6

The superscription of this psalm reads, “To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David. The term “Mahalath” relates to sickness and sorrow. The word “Maschil” refers to instruction. Psalm 53 is similar to Psalm 14. David, the writer, begins verse 1 by summarizing the attitude of the fool by saying, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.” The fool in verse 1 is an atheist. An atheist does not believe in the existence of God. Since the fool denies the existence of God, he will also deny the trustworthiness of the word of God. Thus, the fool, the insane one, does not believe the bible to be the inerrant, infallible and inspired word of God.

Moreover, the fool who denies the existence of God (Elohim), will consider evolution as the explanation of all things. The fool in verse 1acts how he thinks – corrupt. It makes no difference what his station may be in life; since he is a fool, his conduct will match his character. The fool is corrupt and vile; he is an abomination to God. You do not expect a fool to do right, for he is a “fool.” What a thought provoking revelation we have of the character and conduct of a fool.

In verses 2-3, the psalmist revealed that the verdict of the entire human race was that it was corrupt, “Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (v.

3). This whole human race stood guilty and under God’s condemnation. Similarly, Romans 3:10-12 states, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no not one.” Being in a state of unbelief, the only solution to the sin sickness of the fool in verse 1 is to accept God’s offer of salvation through Christ.

Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” In verses 4-5, the psalmist envisioned that the wicked will be overthrown by the Lord despite their persecution of the righteous. And due to that fact, the psalmist longed for the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth as verse 6 states “Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.” The wicked will eventually beoverthrown by the Lord and consigned to the Lake of Fire, their permanent home for all eternity (Revelation 20:11-15). The attitude of the fool will be judged, forever in hell.

May God Bless!