Psalm 36

Psalm 36 reflects a contrast between the wickedness of humanity and the steadfast love and righteousness of God. David, the psalmist, begins by describing the nature of evil in people’s hearts and moves to a celebration of God’s unfailing mercy and justice. The chapter concludes with a prayer for God’s protection against evil.

Psalm 36:1-4 (NKJV)
1 An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked:
There is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes,
When he finds out his iniquity and when he hates.
3 The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit;
He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4 He devises wickedness on his bed;
He sets himself in a way that is not good;
He does not abhor evil.

David reflects on the inner corruption of the wicked. Their lack of reverence for God leads them to flatter themselves, blind to their sin. Their speech becomes deceitful, and they abandon wisdom. Even in moments of rest, they plot evil and commit to ungodly paths without any remorse. This paints a vivid picture of how sin distorts the heart and behavior when God is absent from one's life.

Psalm 36:5-9 (NKJV)
5 Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the great mountains;
Your judgments are a great deep;
O Lord, You preserve man and beast.
7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house,
And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
9 For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.

In contrast to human wickedness, God's mercy is limitless, extending as far as the heavens. His faithfulness and righteousness are immense, like mountains, and His judgments are deep beyond understanding. God’s care extends to all creatures, and His lovingkindness draws people to trust Him. Those who come to Him find deep satisfaction and joy, symbolized by rivers of pleasure. God is the source of life, and through His light, believers gain true understanding and purpose.

Psalm 36:10-12 (NKJV)
10 Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,
And Your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 Let not the foot of pride come against me,
And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 There the workers of iniquity have fallen;
They have been cast down and are not able to rise.

David prays for God's lovingkindness to remain with those who seek Him, asking for protection against pride and wickedness. He seeks deliverance from enemies, trusting that evildoers will ultimately fall and be unable to rise again. This ending conveys hope and assurance that God's justice will prevail over evil, providing peace to the upright.