The Thoughts of The Wicked

by Dan Richardson

In Psalms 10, God reveals to us the thoughts of the wicked, and because “the issues of life” come forth from the heart and define who we truly are (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18-20), we can benefit greatly by looking at the thought processes of the wicked. The thoughts of the wicked are …

“THERE IS NO GOD” (verses 2-4). Rather than conjuring up the image of the self-proclaimed atheist advocating his position that God doesn’t exist, the point here is those who could be designated “practical” atheists. Such make a profession of their belief in God (see verse 11), but deliberately choose to disregard Him. Their denial of God is more a matter of heart than intellect. To them, God is an abstract in their lives instead of a concrete reality to serve and glorify. There are many more who deny God this way than the members of organized atheism. They don’t think about God as non-existent; they just don’t think about God at all – “All his thoughts are, There is no God” (verse 4).

Why doesn’t God seem real to many? The Bible gives us answers. First, they don’t see God as He truly is. They speak of Him irreverently as “the man upstairs” and, at best, give lip-service to His goodness, but there is no true respect for Him as Creator: “There is no fear of God before his eyes” (Psalms 36:1). To properly fear God is to revere Him in humility and obedience: “Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear Jehovah, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7). For the young person, a high premium is placed on fearing God: “The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). Seeking the purpose of man’s existence “under the sun,” Solomon’s conclusion is plain: “fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Man distorts his purpose in life by being self-serving rather than God-serving. The apostle Paul, in describing a godless and immoral society (Romans 1:18-32), revealed the attitude that caused it: “they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks” (verse 21). How sad it is that many live their whole lives without a proper understanding of God.

Second, they “have no knowledge” (Psalms 14:4). We’re not suggesting an inability to learn, but a willful ignorance. While our time has seen man’s level of knowledge soar regarding many things concerning this world, many are woefully unlearned about God, and for many, their saturation in this world’s wisdom only leads them further from God: “For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness … the world through its wisdom knew not God” (I Corinthians 1:18, 21). Their lack of faith is directly linked to their refusal to hear the gospel of Christ, which produces an obedient faith unto salvation (Romans 10:17; 1:16-17).

Third, because there is no fear of God, “He abhorreth not evil” (Psalms 36:1-4). Such is the progression of sin. That sinful conduct which initially stings the conscience, when persisted in, will have its devastating effect in a seared conscience that does not offend and a hardened heart that cannot feel (I Timothy 4:2; Ephesians 4:18-19; Romans 1:24, 26, 28). God’s word is man’s true standard for human conduct. By it we understand “how we ought to walk and to please God” (I Thessalonians 4:1-3). Present day attitudes toward sexual immorality illustrate this point. God’s word is plain concerning sexual activity outside of marriage, as well as the sanctity of the marriage relationship. “(Let) marriage (be) had in honor among all, and (let) the bed (be) undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). Yet, many reject the Bible as antiquated foolishness to such an “enlightened” age. Marriage is held in disdain to many, as is evident by the increase of couples just living together. They scoff at the idea that their personal expression of sexual freedom is condemned by God and punishable by an eternity is hell. Yet, God’s word is plain and does not change – “fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”

“I SHALL NOT BE MOVED” (verses 5-10). In their pride, the lives of the wicked revolve around “self.” Their perspective focuses on self-interests, and they attribute their successes to their own strength (see Deuteronomy 8:11-17). Such view themselves as “making a living” rather than acknowledging their Creator as the Giver and Sustainer of their lives (Acts 14:17; 17:25). Like the rich farmer of Jesus’ parable, many are striving to the point in their lives when they can “take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry,” (Luke 12:16-19). The farmer was a “self-made” man, relying on his own sufficiency while giving no thought to eternity. Such arrogance views self as “number one,” giving little or no regard for the needs of others (count the times the rich farmer refers to himself). The arrogance of the wicked is also seen in a disregard and cruelty toward his fellow-man (Psalms 10:7-10). His goals involve deceit and taking advantage of others. We who seek to please God must love one another, a love which is made practical by good behavior and deeds toward others (Romans 13:8-10).

“GOD HATH FORGOTTEN” (verses 11-13). The wicked declare of God: “He hideth his face, he will never see it … Thou wilt not require it.” In their mind they have fashioned for themselves a “god” indifferent to their conduct, salving their conscience while they pursue what they love – sin! They have deceived themselves, for God has not forgotten! They will be held accountable: “with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved … that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (II Thessalonians 2:10, 12).

The Psalmist ends with an affirmation of God’s goodness and a denial that He is blind and uncaring to man’s conduct: “Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand; the helpless committeth himself unto thee, thou hast been the helper of the fatherless” (verse 14). He sees and will recompense the wicked for their evil, and He will bless those who commit themselves to Him. Which category are you in?