When Fools Rule

In Psalm 14:1, David wrote, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.”

Of course, David’s idea of a fool was different than ours—and much more serious. We speak of a fool as one who lacks intelligence, direction and sound judgment. David, on the other hand, understood the fool to be one who lived willfully in complete disregard to the laws of God. He ignored God’s rightful rule over his life, and perhaps even went so far as to express an attitude that aggressively denied God’s reality, defied God’s moral code, and went so far as to dare God to execute judgment.

By David’s definition, we are living in a time where there are a lot of fools running around. In fact, many of them seem to be running our country. They are in high places of government, finance, cultural influence, and even spiritual leadership.

But as powerful, popular and prosperous as they are, they are still fools. And David’s psalm reminds us of this sobering truth: God still rules. And while the fools are seated in places of power, God is seated in the only place of power that really counts. And he is scoffing at the unbelievable hubris and overt rebellion of these he has created and gives even their very moment-by-moment breath. He sits on the real and true throne, patiently waiting for them to repent, but knowing they never will.

Psalm 2 speaks of that time when God’s patience will finally come to its end and he will indeed execute judgment on those who have dared and defied him for so long. And it won’t be a pretty picture then. As you read Psalm 2, you realize that it is not a very happy psalm.

Yet there is hope strategically placed within David’s song. This psalm of divine judgment is also a contrasting psalm of eternal optimism. Embedded in David’s diatribe is also an invitation to live wisely (Psalm 14:10—as opposed to how the fool lives) by serving God gladly (Psalm 14:11—contrasted with the defiant rebelliousness of sinful man) and the promise that all who willing do will find “blessed” (happiness, favor and eternal joy) “refuge” (a safe and secure place) in him (Psalm 14:12).

There is not a whole lot you and I can do about all the fools running around these days, but whenever we get frustrated with all the foolishness we have got to put up with, we can be reminded that it is God who rules. And when he finally brings all the foolishness to its deserving end, we will have found blessed refuge in him, because he rules in the most important place—the throne of our hearts.

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“Wherever the fear of God rules in the heart, it will appear both in works of charity and piety, and neither will excuse us from the other.” (Matthew Henry)

Making Life Work: This week, when you get frustrated by the foolishness you see coming out of the seats of power that rule our nation at various levels, instead of ranting and raving, pause and praise the One who truly rules. And remember, the day is soon coming when he will dramatically institute his eternal rule.