Good is only possible with God.

Psalm 14

vv. 1–3—The wicked defy God’s law.

—To see the background on fools (nabal), read about Nabal in 1 Samuel 25.
—”There is no God” = God is unconcerned about my actions. This statement is a claim for practical atheism, not philosophical atheism.
—We see this corruption in Genesis 6:12 and also Genesis 18:28, 19:14.
—There are instances of irony in this section. The fool doesn’t believe God is concerned about his actions, but God is in the heavens stooping down (Genesis 18:16, 19:28), and sees all. The Lord is searching for those who are seeking Him. But He finds no one (Romans 3:10–12).

vv. 4–6—The wicked devour God’s people.

—The wicked clearly do not understand.
—They feast on God’s people.
—They do not call on the LORD in faith and repentance.
—v. 5, we see why they are called fools. The wicked will one day stand before the Lord in judgment with knocking knees.
—”The righteous generation” = a class or degree of people, not necessarily people born within a particular period of time.
—The wicked might shame the poor, but the Lord is His refuge (Matthew 5:4, 10–12).

v. 7—God will deliver His people.

—The word “When” implies certainty. The Lord will return and restore His people. When this happens, they are to shout in celebration and sing for joy (Matthew 5:12).
—Jacob was a descendant of Abraham, renamed Israel by God. The people of Israel are often identified as Jacob throughout the Psalms and the prophets.