12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”
The sixth indictment is that there is “none who does good.”
There is none who does good,
“Good” carries the ideas of kindness, benevolence or integrity. Apart from the ministry of the Holy Spirit, no one has the capacity to employ true integrity. Instead, they are self-centered and they are selfish because of sin. No man on his own can do anything of eternal value outside the finished work of Christ.
no, not one.”
The five statements of verses 11 and 12 are summarized by “no, not one.” There are no exceptions to those who do not understand or seek out God, they are all turned aside, are useless, and do no good. There is no single exception to this except Jesus, who did not commit a sin.
There is a triple negative in the phrase “there is none that does good, no, not one.” This shows the categorical and emphatic fact that man is not good.
PRINCIPLE:
Contrary to modern thought, no one is good without God.
APPLICATION:
The Lord did not come to call the righteous but the sinner to repentance. There is no righteous person. All stand in need of salvation. Jesus came to save those who admit they are sinners. The sinner must first admit he is a sinner.
Jn 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
