Re: Verse reading–Psalm 53 (day 7)
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their ways are vile.” (vs 1) They are fools. People (ancient and modern) who say that there is no God. People who deny conscience and the testimony of nature. Foolish because this denial of God’s existence unconsciously, dramatically and negatively impacts moral choice. Ultimately, a belief in God and in His righteous judgement is the only guarantee and the strongest motivation for good behavior. Without the standard of God’s holiness, men and societies disintegrate morally. Witness our present age. And the payback is fear. “There they were, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread.” (vs 5) Part of faith’s payment is peace. Peace that passes understanding. Peace that makes us confident in every circumstance. Wisdom or folly? It happens as we make decisions about God and what we say with our mouths counts less than what we say in our hearts.
