PSALM 36: Dissecting the Sinners Heart

Psalm 36:

The transgression of the wicked

saith within my heart,

 that there is no fear of God before his eyes.

vs.1

"The theme of this psalm is certainly the loving-kindness of God (verses 5, 7, 10).
David first describes the rebellious sinner (verses 1-4), then the blessedness of the righteous man (verses 5-9), and concludes with a prayer that the righteous man may be protected from the wicked (verses 10-12).

At least 3 themes may be detected in this psalm:

(1) Wisdom (verses 1-4);

(2) Praise (verses 5-9); and

(3) Prayer (verses 10-12).

Psalm 36 resembles Psalm 14 in its description of human depravity...Paul used (Psalm 36:1), to summarize his list of 14 indictments against the whole race in (Rom. 3:10-18).

As to its overall structure, David’s two different moods in Psalm 36 exemplify his continuing quest for balance concerning the realities of human wickedness and divine benevolence.

I.       Mood of Deliberation (36:1-9).

A.  His Deliberations on Human Infidelity (36:1-4);

For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. vs.2

B.   His Deliberations on Divine Fidelity (36:5-9).

Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. vs.6

II.      Mood of Dependence (36:10-12).

A.  Implemented through Prayer (36:10-11);

Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. vs.11

B.   Intimated through Perspective (36:12).

There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise. vs.12

Title: The term “servant”, found in (Psalm 35:27), appears in this title. It carries an association with covenant relationship emphasizing submission to and service for God.

--Dissecting the Sinners Heart--

Verse 1. The transgression of the wicked. His daring and wanton sin; his breaking the bounds of law and justice. Saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.

Men's sins have a voice to godly ears.

They are the outer index of an inner evil.

Verse 2. He flattereth himself in his own eyes. He counts himself a fine fellow, worthy of great respect. He quiets his conscience, and so deceives his own judgment as to reckon himself a pattern of excellence;

Verse 3. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit. ... if iniquity cannot win by oppression, deceit will gain by chicanery. When the heart is so corrupt as to flatter itself, the tongue follows suit. The open sepulchre of the throat reveals the foulness of the inner nature.

Verse 4. He deviseth mischief upon his bed. His place of rest becomes the place for plotting. His bed is a hot bed for poisonous weeds."

BooksOfTheBible/Charles Spurgeon

Thy mercy, O LORD,

is in the heavens;

and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

vs.5