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For the choirmaster. Of the servant of the LORD, of David.
(36-2) Transgression speaks within the heart of the wicked; there is no fear of God before his eyes,
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(36-3) for he flatters himself in his own eyes until his iniquity is found out and hated.
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(36-4) The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and to do good.
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(36-5) He devises wickedness on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.
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(36-6) Your steadfast love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, and your faithfulness to the clouds.
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(36-7) Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep.
You save man and beast, O LORD.
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(36-8) How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
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(36-9) They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
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(36-10) For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.
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(36-11) Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
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(36-12) Let not the foot of the proud come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
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(36-13) There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down and cannot rise again.
🕊️🙏📖 Summary of Psalm 36 – “The Contrast Between the Wicked and the Lord’s Steadfast Love”
Psalm 36 is a psalm of wisdom that shows the sharp contrast between the evil of the wicked and the goodness and steadfast love of God. David describes the craftiness of the evil heart, yet quickly turns to the greatness of God’s love, which is like the heavens and the mountains, a refuge for mankind.
This psalm calls us to take refuge in the steadfast love of God, which is greater than all human wickedness.
📌 1. The Nature of the Wicked (verses 1–4)
➡️ The wicked do not fear the LORD in their hearts.
➡️ He deceives himself, thinking himself right, and is full of deceit.
➡️ He plans evil even while lying down — wickedness becomes his habit.
🎯 The wicked live without fear of the LORD, and that shapes all their conduct.
📌 2. The Majesty of God’s Steadfast Love (verses 5–6)
➡️ God’s steadfast love reaches to the heavens, and His faithfulness to the clouds.
➡️ His righteousness is like the mountains, and His judgments like the great deep.
🎯 God is not only good, He is great and fully worthy of trust.
📌 3. Protection and Provision from God (verses 7–9)
➡️ People take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings.
➡️ They are satisfied from the abundance of God’s house.
➡️ God is the source of life and true light.
🎯 God’s love gives life and light to the human soul.
📌 4. A Prayer for Protection and a Warning for the Wicked (verses 10–12)
➡️ David prays that God’s steadfast love would remain with the righteous.
➡️ He also asks that the foot of the proud not trample him.
➡️ Finally, he sees that the wicked fall and cannot rise again.
🎯 The righteous must continue to take refuge, for destruction awaits the wicked.
📖 Main Lessons
- The wicked live in pride and refuse to fear the LORD
- God is known for His great and abundant steadfast love
- The righteous receive protection, life, and light from God
- Salvation does not come from ourselves, but from God’s love
- The wicked will finally fall, but the righteous are kept in His love
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
📖 John 1:4–5
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
➡️ Echoing Psalm 36:9 — “With you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.”
📖 Ephesians 2:4–5
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love…”
➡️ In harmony with God’s abundant steadfast love toward His people.
📖 Matthew 5:45
“He causes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good.”
➡️ God’s love is still poured out even though people are unworthy — yet His protection is given to those who take refuge.
📖 Romans 3:18
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
➡️ Paul quotes the same idea from Psalm 36:1.
🕊️ “Transgression speaks within the heart of the wicked: there is no fear of God.” – Psalm 36:1
🕊️ “Your steadfast love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens.” – Psalm 36:5
🕊️ “With you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” – Psalm 36:9
🕊️ “The wicked lie fallen… and cannot rise again.” – Psalm 36:12
