Psalm 53
“Good People”
We often hear people described as “good people.” Some use the phrase for friends or those they admire. Others apply it to anyone who does some good deeds. In conversations about salvation, it is common to hear, “But what about all the good people?”
This perception often keeps people from understanding how God defines “goodness.”
At its most basic level, the word “good” can simply mean “desirable or approved of.” As a noun, the term refers to that which is righteous. Yet from God’s perspective, humanity sets the bar for what is good far too low.
In Psalm 53, David records God looking to see if anyone understands or seeks after Him. His verdict is sobering. He states that God, “Looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any that understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one” (Psalm 53:2-3).
The Apostle Paul quotes this passage in Romans 3:10–12, declaring that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin. He prefaces the statement with the words, “For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin” (v. 9).
Even Jesus Himself, when addressed as “Good Teacher” by the rich young ruler, replied, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone” (Luke 18:19).
To understand these statements, we must grasp God’s standard of goodness. Scripture tells us, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Because God does only what is good, His measure of goodness is not based on whether someone does some good things. It requires a life of only good things — perfect righteousness with no sin.
By that standard, no one measures up. As Paul writes, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
We are quick to cut ourselves slack, convincing ourselves of the fantasy that if our good deeds outweigh our bad ones, we are “good enough.” But even by that lowered standard we fail. A single sin requires a Redeemer. We cannot save ourselves.
This is why obedience is the true measure of goodness before God. No one is perfect, but the obedient are redeemed. Without obedience to Christ, there is no “good enough.” Sin is the poison that destroys every professed “good person” who refuses to become an obedient follower of Jesus.
As you study Psalm 53, let it reshape how you view goodness. Stop comparing yourself to other people. Instead, measure your life against God’s perfect standard. When we understand God’s definition of “good,” it changes everything — humbling us, driving us to the cross, and motivating us to live differently.
If you would like a more detailed discussion of the psalm, check out my video below.