1 The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
12 There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.
Psalm 36, a composition attributed to King David, is a profound meditation on the nature of human wickedness contrasted with the unfathomable mercy and love of God. This Psalm, like many others, is a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers, serving as a reminder of God's steadfast love and righteousness. It provides a stark contrast between the deceitful and wicked nature of sinful man and the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.
The first four verses of the Psalm provide a vivid portrayal of the wickedness that can dwell in the heart of man. David describes the wicked man as one who has no fear of God, whose words are deceitful and whose actions are wicked. In this description, David emphasizes the complete lack of consideration for God's law and the utter disregard for moral values. The wicked man's transgressions are described as deliberate, not accidental, revealing a deep-seated rebellion against God.
David's portrayal of the wicked is not merely a reflection of his personal experiences with such individuals but is also a broader commentary on the human condition. The Psalmist's depiction of human wickedness is a universal indictment, applicable to all who choose to live without regard for God's laws. It provides a sobering reminder of the destructive potential of sin and the profound alienation it causes between man and God.
In stark contrast to man's wickedness, Psalm 36 extols the mercy, faithfulness, righteousness, and lovingkindness of God. David uses evocative imagery to describe God's love, comparing it to the vastness of the heavens and the depth of the earth. The Psalmist further emphasizes God's care for all of creation, stating that both man and beast are recipients of God's loving provision.
David's depiction of God's righteousness is equally powerful. God's righteousness is compared to the great mountains, suggesting its immovability and permanence. David further underscores God's righteousness by asserting that His judgments are as deep as the sea, indicating their vastness and profundity. These descriptions serve to highlight the absolute reliability of God's character and His unwavering commitment to justice.
Psalm 36 also presents God as a refuge for those who trust in Him. David describes those who take refuge in God as being abundantly satisfied, experiencing joy and delight in God's presence. This imagery serves to emphasize the protective and nurturing nature of God, highlighting His role as the ultimate source of security and fulfillment.
Moreover, David portrays God as the provider of life and light. He acknowledges that it is God who gives life and enables individuals to see the light. This depiction underscores the dependence of all creation on God and His sovereignty over all things.
The Psalm concludes with a prayer for protection from the wicked and a confident affirmation of God's justice. David prays for the preservation of his life and the lives of the righteous, expressing his trust in God's ability to protect His people from the schemes of the wicked.
David's confident assertion that the wicked will be cast down and unable to rise serves as a reassurance of God's ultimate victory over evil. It is a powerful affirmation of the belief that God's justice will prevail, providing comfort and hope to those who trust in Him.
Psalm 36 offers a profound exploration of the contrast between human wickedness and divine love and righteousness. Its message is as relevant today as it was in the time of David. It serves as a reminder of the destructive potential of sin and the unfathomable depth of God's love and faithfulness. This Psalm encourages believers to trust in God's steadfast love, seek refuge in Him, and live in accordance with His righteous laws.
Moreover, Psalm 36 serves as a call to recognize our dependence on God as the giver of life and light, and our need for His protective care. It provides reassurance that despite the presence of wickedness in the world, God's justice will ultimately prevail. This Psalm, therefore, serves as a source of comfort, guidance, and hope, inspiring us to live lives that reflect God's love and righteousness.
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