The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 36
In brief
Psalm 36 is a psalm of David, servant of the Lord. It contrasts two portraits. First the wicked person, who has no fear of God before his eyes, lies and plots injustice even on his bed. Then, at verse 5, everything changes: the psalmist celebrates the goodness of God that reaches the heavens, a shelter under his wings, the abundance of his house and the fountain of life. He ends by praying to be kept from pride. This psalm helps us look at evil without being crushed by it.
The chapter in 4 parts
1A revelation is within my heart about the disobedience of the wicked: “There is no fear of God before his eyes.”
2For he flatters himself in his own eyes, too much to detect and hate his sin.
3The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit. He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4He plots iniquity on his bed. He sets himself in a way that is not good. He doesn’t abhor evil.
5Your loving kindness, Yahweh, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
6Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like a great deep. Yahweh, you preserve man and animal.
7How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
8They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of your house. You will make them drink of the river of your pleasures.
9For with you is the spring of life. In your light we will see light.
10Oh continue your loving kindness to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11Don’t let the foot of pride come against me. Don’t let the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12There the workers of iniquity are fallen. They are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise.
Key verses
Your loving kindness, Yahweh, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
The movement of the psalm shifts here: instead of staring at evil, the psalmist celebrates a goodness and a faithfulness without limit.
How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
God's goodness is precious. People seek refuge in the shadow of his wings, an image of tender and close protection.
For with you is the spring of life. In your light we will see light.
With God is the fountain of life, and by his light we are able to see light. He does not only give gifts, he is himself the source.
Oh continue your loving kindness to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
A prayer that God's goodness would extend to those who know him and to the upright in heart.
Bible verses to meditate on
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Frequently asked questions about Psalm 36
What does with you is the fountain of life mean in Psalm 36:9?
The verse says that life, in the full sense of the word, comes from God and not from ourselves. It speaks of nourishment, joy and light that God gives to those who come to him. Many Christians see in it an announcement of Jesus Christ, the light of the world, but the text of the psalm does not say so directly.
Who wrote Psalm 36 and in what context?
The title of the psalm attributes it to David, servant of the Lord. It does not mention a specific event in his life. The text contrasts the perversity of the one who ignores God with the goodness of God, which could fit many moments when David faced injustice.
How can I pray Psalm 36?
When you are discouraged by the evil around you, read verses 1 to 4 to acknowledge what you see, then move to verses 5 to 9 to turn your eyes to God. Thank him for his goodness, ask him for shelter under his wings, then pray verse 11 to be kept from pride.
Articles quoting Psalm 36
World English Bible translation — public domain.