Psalms 36: The Wickedness of Man and the Lovingkindness of God

Psalms 36 documents the dark psychology of the wicked—who have 'no fear of God before their eyes'—and contrasts it with the 'reaching to the heavens' mercy of God. It articulates that in God’s light, we see light, and from His 'river of pleasures' we find the ultimate satisfaction.

  1. v1-4: The Anatomy of a Hardened Heart
  2. v5-9: The Infinite Dimensions of Divine Grace
  3. v10-12: The Prayer for Continued Mercy and Protection

Psalms chapter 36

The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

Escape the 'dry land' of human malice by drinking from the 'fatness' of God’s house and the 'fountain' of His life. Begin your study with psalms 36 summary.

The metaphor 'under the shadow of thy wings' refers not to a bird, but to the wings of the Cherubim over the Mercy Seat in the Temple, the place of ultimate safety. The Word Secret is Eden, translated here as 'pleasures' (v8), the same word for the garden where humanity first enjoyed perfect fellowship with God. Discover the riches with psalms 36 commentary, containing expert led word study (original greek/hebrew) and passage level analysis.

Unlock the hidden psalms 36 1 meaning and summary by exploring context, analyzing original greek and hebrew words, and studying cross references of each verse.

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2 min read (223 words)