The Fool and Unbelief

"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good." ― Psalm 14:1

Folly and sin are good buddies; they like to hang out together. Adam and Eve questioned the authority and wisdom of God's Word and fools have followed in the footsteps of their first parents. We're all atheists when it comes to sin. We at least have to get God out of the room for a few minutes (if not the universe), so that we can do it our way. Frank Sinatra, speaking of the end of his life, assured us that he had no regrets:

For what is a man? What has he got?
If not himself ― Then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way.

Yes, and the rich man did it his way too (Lk. 16). He thought he had crossed the finish line only to find out he had just begun. "But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you" (Lk. 12:20). It's the ultimate rude awakening. "Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool" (Pr. 17:10). Like the two-year-old covering his eyes or plugging his ears, the fool must first fool himself.

⁷ Yet they say, "The Lord does not see, nor does the God of Jacob understand." ⁸ Understand, you senseless among the people; and you fools, when will you be wise? ⁹ He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see? ¹⁰ He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct, He who teaches man knowledge ¹¹ The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile. ¹² Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law.

―Psalm 94:7-12