God supports the righteous, confounds the wicked who neglect His ways, and offers Himself as a strong refuge for those who are oppressed.
In Psalm 14:4-6Psalm 14:4-6 commentary, commentary attributed to David—who ruled as King of Israel from approximately 1010 to 970 BC—he expresses deep concern over those who act in wickedness and disregard the ways of God. He laments, Do all the workers of wickedness not know, Who eat up My people as they eat bread, And do not call upon the LORD? (v. 4). These words indicate that such individuals devour God’s people casually, much like one would consume a daily meal, showing no shame or restraint in the harm they cause. Their ignorance is deliberate—David questions how they can continue in their blind refusal to acknowledge God. Just as in many places throughout Scripture where willful ignorance darkens people’s understanding (Ephesians 4:18Ephesians 4:18 commentary), here too they are depicted as choosing not to respond to the Lord’s truth.
Within this verse, David highlights practical consequences for those who remain hardened. Because they refuse to call upon the LORD, they position themselves outside the blessing and protection that He offers. Similar to how individuals in the world disregard wisdom and ultimately face downfall (Proverbs 1:30-31Proverbs 1:30-31 commentary), the workers of wickedness condemn themselves by ignoring the God who longs to rescue them. The mention of eating bread to describe the casual way they consume and harm the righteous underscores how easy it has become for them to oppress without remorse.
This condemnation also speaks to the psalmist’s burdened heart for God’s people. He refers to them as My people, highlighting the covenantal relationship that God established with Israel—the special bond formed when the Lord called Abraham, then Isaac, then Jacob, leading to a chosen nation (Genesis 12:1-3Genesis 12:1-3 commentary). When the wicked attack God’s covenant people, they are essentially denouncing His promises. By failing to call upon the LORD, they further isolate themselves from divine help and center their lives on destructive pursuits.
Turning to the next words, David observes, There they are in great dread, For God is with the righteous generation (v. 5). Here the imagery shifts to the sudden realization of terror among oppressors. In the presence of God’s power, those who once mocked His ways recognize that they have chosen a path of defiance against the Almighty. This moment of dread can mirror scenes elsewhere in Scripture where those opposing God abruptly awaken to His might (Exodus 14:24-25Exodus 14:24-25 commentary). There is an unshakable confidence for the righteous, because their security rests on God’s enduring promises.
When the text says God is with the righteous generation, it underscores the faithfulness of the Lord to stand by all who trust Him. The righteous—those in a right relationship with God—are never truly alone, even when facing great oppression. This point resonates with the New Testament assurance that “[God] Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5Hebrews 13:5 commentary). The dread gripping the wicked arises from the recognition that the One they have defied is perfectly just and will act on behalf of His people.
David uses the word there to denote a specific moment or place where the wicked realize their vulnerability. This sudden shift from confidence to fear reflects the difference between human power and God’s omnipotence. Though the timing of God’s judgment can seem delayed, the ultimate reality is that those who cling to righteousness remain firm, for they stand with the power and presence of the Lord on their side.
Finally, David addresses the plight of the afflicted as he continues, You would put to shame the counsel of the afflicted, But the LORD is his refuge (v. 6). Here, the psalmist calls attention to how the wicked attempt to shame the downtrodden, rejecting their wisdom and guidance. In biblical history, words like afflicted often refer to those who suffer under oppression or injustice, including the vulnerable within the community of God’s people—such as widows, orphans, and the impoverished (Isaiah 1:17Isaiah 1:17 commentary). Their counsel is easy to dismiss in a society that values status over righteousness.
However, David firmly declares that the afflicted do indeed have a refuge, which is the LORD Himself. Despite attempts to undermine them or shame them into silence, they remain protected by a God who cares deeply for those who suffer. The counsel of the afflicted is not to be disparaged, for the Lord often chooses to exalt the humble (Matthew 23:12Matthew 23:12 commentary). Even if the world scoffs at their perspective, God’s shelter gives them hope and relief. They do not look for security in human power structures but trust in the eternal stability of His promises.
In this closing verse, the emphasis on the LORD as refuge highlights the compassionate nature of God, who does not abandon those in need. This theme reemerges throughout Scripture, reminding us of the unwavering commitment God has for the humble and oppressed. David’s words suggest that even when the helpless are disregarded by others, they remain known and cherished by the Creator of the universe. Because they place their confidence in the Lord, they will never be ultimately put to shame.
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Psalm 14:4-6 meaning
In Psalm 14:4-6Psalm 14:4-6 commentary, commentary attributed to David—who ruled as King of Israel from approximately 1010 to 970 BC—he expresses deep concern over those who act in wickedness and disregard the ways of God. He laments, Do all the workers of wickedness not know, Who eat up My people as they eat bread, And do not call upon the LORD? (v. 4). These words indicate that such individuals devour God’s people casually, much like one would consume a daily meal, showing no shame or restraint in the harm they cause. Their ignorance is deliberate—David questions how they can continue in their blind refusal to acknowledge God. Just as in many places throughout Scripture where willful ignorance darkens people’s understanding (Ephesians 4:18Ephesians 4:18 commentary), here too they are depicted as choosing not to respond to the Lord’s truth.
Within this verse, David highlights practical consequences for those who remain hardened. Because they refuse to call upon the LORD, they position themselves outside the blessing and protection that He offers. Similar to how individuals in the world disregard wisdom and ultimately face downfall (Proverbs 1:30-31Proverbs 1:30-31 commentary), the workers of wickedness condemn themselves by ignoring the God who longs to rescue them. The mention of eating bread to describe the casual way they consume and harm the righteous underscores how easy it has become for them to oppress without remorse.
This condemnation also speaks to the psalmist’s burdened heart for God’s people. He refers to them as My people, highlighting the covenantal relationship that God established with Israel—the special bond formed when the Lord called Abraham, then Isaac, then Jacob, leading to a chosen nation (Genesis 12:1-3Genesis 12:1-3 commentary). When the wicked attack God’s covenant people, they are essentially denouncing His promises. By failing to call upon the LORD, they further isolate themselves from divine help and center their lives on destructive pursuits.
Turning to the next words, David observes, There they are in great dread, For God is with the righteous generation (v. 5). Here the imagery shifts to the sudden realization of terror among oppressors. In the presence of God’s power, those who once mocked His ways recognize that they have chosen a path of defiance against the Almighty. This moment of dread can mirror scenes elsewhere in Scripture where those opposing God abruptly awaken to His might (Exodus 14:24-25Exodus 14:24-25 commentary). There is an unshakable confidence for the righteous, because their security rests on God’s enduring promises.
When the text says God is with the righteous generation, it underscores the faithfulness of the Lord to stand by all who trust Him. The righteous—those in a right relationship with God—are never truly alone, even when facing great oppression. This point resonates with the New Testament assurance that “[God] Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5Hebrews 13:5 commentary). The dread gripping the wicked arises from the recognition that the One they have defied is perfectly just and will act on behalf of His people.
David uses the word there to denote a specific moment or place where the wicked realize their vulnerability. This sudden shift from confidence to fear reflects the difference between human power and God’s omnipotence. Though the timing of God’s judgment can seem delayed, the ultimate reality is that those who cling to righteousness remain firm, for they stand with the power and presence of the Lord on their side.
Finally, David addresses the plight of the afflicted as he continues, You would put to shame the counsel of the afflicted, But the LORD is his refuge (v. 6). Here, the psalmist calls attention to how the wicked attempt to shame the downtrodden, rejecting their wisdom and guidance. In biblical history, words like afflicted often refer to those who suffer under oppression or injustice, including the vulnerable within the community of God’s people—such as widows, orphans, and the impoverished (Isaiah 1:17Isaiah 1:17 commentary). Their counsel is easy to dismiss in a society that values status over righteousness.
However, David firmly declares that the afflicted do indeed have a refuge, which is the LORD Himself. Despite attempts to undermine them or shame them into silence, they remain protected by a God who cares deeply for those who suffer. The counsel of the afflicted is not to be disparaged, for the Lord often chooses to exalt the humble (Matthew 23:12Matthew 23:12 commentary). Even if the world scoffs at their perspective, God’s shelter gives them hope and relief. They do not look for security in human power structures but trust in the eternal stability of His promises.
In this closing verse, the emphasis on the LORD as refuge highlights the compassionate nature of God, who does not abandon those in need. This theme reemerges throughout Scripture, reminding us of the unwavering commitment God has for the humble and oppressed. David’s words suggest that even when the helpless are disregarded by others, they remain known and cherished by the Creator of the universe. Because they place their confidence in the Lord, they will never be ultimately put to shame.