How Not to Be a Fool During Loss from Psalm 14

Don’t be a fool. Don’t be a fool anytime, but especially be alert during loss. So many things can go wrong. So many steps or decisions that seem right in the immediate aftermath of loss are, in fact, not good decisions or steps. Beware of fools and of being a fool.

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Psalm 14:1

Fools, according to Psalm 14, are corrupt and they do abominable deeds. Abominable is defined as giving rise to moral revulsion. Foolishness leads to corruption, and God is revulsed. Further, no fool does good. I’ve always been warned against using absolutes, but it is entirely appropriate in the case of fools. Hyperbole? I think not.

“The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.” Psalm 14:2-3

Hyperbole? Absolutely not. Hyperbole is when you exaggerate some statement or position to make a point, but it is not meant to be taken one hundred percent literally. But in this case, the claim from verse one is repeated and repeated more emphatically. Not even one. Fools do not do good.

“…wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith…” 1 Timothy 1:18-19

If you’re facing loss, you’re in a vulnerable place. A war. Do not trust your own way. It may seem right, but it’s not. In fact, it leads to shipwreck! Or death! As Proverbs 14:12 clearly states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” So, don’t be foolish and trust your own instincts during loss. Don’t be a fool. If you’re tempted to believe there is no God you’ve turned the wrong way.

Don’t be a fool who trusts your own instincts, but also don’t be a fool that listens to the people or to the god of this age. They are not out to give you sound counsel. It’s actually worse than intentionally misleading you. They just don’t have God’s knowledge. Their way is in opposition to God’s ways. Study his ways, and ask him to establish his ways in your ways.

“Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the Lord? There they are in great terror, for God is with the generation of the righteous. You would shame the plans of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge.” Psalm 14:4-6

Evildoers seek to consume you. During loss especially, but anytime will do for them. Fools have no knowledge. They do not seek God. Worse, they are driven to evil. Yes, eternity is in their hearts but without submission to go with it. They know they are up against a God who cannot be defeated, and therefore, they are driven by terror. God, however, is with every generation that is with him. The fool would shame the poor, but the Lord is a hiding place for those with wisdom.

Salvation comes from the Lord to his humble people. A day is coming when fortunes will be restored and Israel—God’s people—rejoice once again.

Don’t be a fool and fall for any lies declaring there is no God.

“Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.” Psalm 14:7