What does Psalm 14:1 mean?

Scripture is clear that those who reject God's existence—or live as if He does not exist—are recklessly irrational. The Hebrew word used here is nābāl. Other verses in Proverbs use different Hebrew words which can be translated into English as "fool" (Proverbs 1:7; 10:23; 12:15). Those other words tend to focus on moral evil and ignorance, but none require someone who lacks intelligence. Nābāl, used here, implies someone senseless, with an emphasis on being willingly disobedient. The "fool" of this type is characterized by animal stereotypes (Psalm 49:20) such as donkeys and mules.

First Samuel 25 introduces a man named Nabal (1 Samuel 25:3). He exemplifies the type of "fool" this psalm condemns. Nabal was obstinate, ignorant, crude, and unreasonable (1 Samuel 25:17). He refused to help David and his men when messengers from David requested provisions. This was after David's men had protected Nabal's workers (1 Samuel 25:7). Despite clear evidence, and good reasons , "Fool" chose to act arrogantly and selfishly. David was tempted to retaliate until Abigail, Nabal's wife, persuaded him not to shed blood (1 Samuel 25:21–35).

According to Scripture, rejecting or dismissing God's existence is corrupt and leads to an evil life (Romans 1:18–32). Even those respected as good citizens are depraved fools if they reject the truth that God exists. Such a person lacks spiritual wisdom, so they are incapable of doing anything that pleases the Lord. Their heart is wicked. Their head lacks spiritual knowledge. Such a person continues to be entirely depraved, meaning every part of their being has been marred by sin.

Romans 3:10–12 includes this verse's phrasing as part of Paul's explanation of sin.

The word translated "corrupt" here is from the Hebrew root shachath, meaning "marred, ruined, polluted, or destroyed" (Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 25:26). Jeremiah 13:7 applies the same word to a ruined item of clothing: it had become "spoiled" and "good for nothing." This is subtly different from the term used in Psalm 14:3, which more specifically refers to moral corruption.