Psalm 14:1 says The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."; this sounds less like something from the bible and more like something an apologist might say to an atheist and I'm sure apologists have used this particular verse. During bible times there weren't really any atheists because at the time the only explanation to how the world could be so complex and "masterfully designed" is a god or gods, so did God in his divine foresight saw fight to include this verse for all the Christians in the future to use to stump supposed stupid atheists in their tracks? The truth is that the often overlooked part is "in his heart", what does this mean?
Heart is often used in a more poetic context throughout the bible for instance Pharaohs heart was hardened and where treasure is so to is your heart(I'm honestly not aware if the bible even ever says "heart" in the context of an anatomical heart). We can conclude that heart could mean soul or character or whatever makes you, you; I don't think Psalm 14:1 is talking about atheists who proudly proclaim that there is no god but rather about lukewarm compromises who might say they believe in God with their mouths but with their heart they are wicked, lawless heathens who might as well not believe there is a God because they live their daily lives as if there is not God.
Us Christians are exactly the same as the people at the time of the flood or the people in Sodom and Gomorrah, we say that there is a God but live secular lives trying to make tons of money and not listening to what Jesus said. We hate our enemies and love our friends, we make sure our families are happy and well-fed while ignoring our family members half-way across the globe who are starving and poor. We curse God for calling 20 poor and starving kids home to heaven a minute sitting on our earthly treasures and wondering why he could allow such suffering. Our treasures will consume our flesh and the rust and moths will testify against us on judgment day. We call Jesus Lord, Lord every Sunday just like the people at the flood and in Sodom and Gomorrah. Our hearts need to quit being atheist.
>pic sorta related…