Psalms 14:3
They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Psalms 14:3
This verse completes the triad of accusations against humanity: “There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” It reinforces the universal human condition of moral deficiency apart from divine intervention. The rhetorical question intensifies the sense of shared guilt; the psalmist is underscoring the pervasive nature of sin. In the broader Psalter, such statements aim to awaken repentance and dependence on God’s mercy. The verse relies on a poetic hyperbole typical of Hebrew poetry, intended to shock into self-reflection rather than to be used as a strict statistical claim about every individual at all times.
The verse spotlights total depravity in a biblical sense: humanity’s default orientation is estranged from God, resulting in corrupt behavior. Yet it also sets the stage for the hope that God acts to redeem and restore. The tension—human sinfulness and God’s fidelity—permeates the Psalms and the whole Bible, leading to trust in the coming Messiah who would reconcile humanity to God. It challenges complacency and invites humility before God’s holiness.
It’s tempting to view this as a blanket indictment that erodes self-worth, but it’s meant to awaken grace-centered humility. Practical response: practice honest self-examination. Regularly ask: Where have my desires betrayed God’s good design? What selfish outcomes rule my decisions? Then pivot toward Christ’s righteousness. In community, cultivate accountability—confession with trusted friends or mentors who can remind you of God’s mercy and invite you back to God’s ways.
Cross-References
- Romans 3:10-12
- Romans 3:23
- Isaiah 53:6
- Titus 3:3-7
- 1 John 1:8-9