Worthy.Bible » STRONG » Psalms » Chapter 36 » Verse 2-4

Psalms 36:2-4 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

2 For he flattereth H2505 himself in his own eyes, H5869 until his iniquity H5771 be found H4672 to be hateful. H8130

3 The words H1697 of his mouth H6310 are iniquity H205 and deceit: H4820 he hath left off H2308 to be wise, H7919 and to do good. H3190

4 He deviseth H2803 mischief H205 upon his bed; H4904 he setteth H3320 himself in a way H1870 that is not good; H2896 he abhorreth H3988 not evil. H7451

Commentary on Psalms 36 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 36

Ps 36:1-12. On servant of the Lord, see on Ps 18:1, title. The wickedness of man contrasted with the excellency of God's perfections and dispensations; and the benefit of the latter sought, and the evils of the former deprecated.

1. The general sense of this difficult verse is, "that the wicked have no fear of God." The first clause may be rendered, "Saith transgression in my heart, in respect to the wicked, there is no fear," &c., that is, such is my reflection on men's transgressions.

2-4. This reflection detailed.

until his iniquity—literally, "for finding his iniquity for hating"; that is, he persuades himself God will not so find it—"for hating" involving the idea of punishing. Hence his words of iniquity and deceit, and his bold rejection of all right principles of conduct. The climax is that he deliberately adopts and patronizes evil. The negative forms affirm more emphatically their contraries.

5, 6. mercy … and … faithfulness—as mercy and truth (Ps 25:10).

6. righteousness [and] judgments—qualities of a good government (Ps 5:8; 31:1). These all are set forth, by the figures used, as unbounded.

7. shadow of thy wings—(Compare De 32:11; Ps 91:1).

8. fatness—richness.

thy house—residence—for the privileges and blessings of communion with God (Ps 23:6; 27:4).

river of thy pleasures—plenteous supply; may allude to Eden.

9. Light is an emblem of all blessings, given of God as a means to gain more.

10. that know thee—right knowledge of God is the source of right affections and conduct.

11. foot of … hand … wicked—all kinds of violent dealing.

12. There—in the acting of violence, they are overthrown. A signal defeat.