Psalms Chapter 36 — The Loving Kindness of God
Psalm 36 contrasts the deceitful nature of the wicked with the infinite and life-giving mercy of God, ending with a prayer for protection from pride.
1A revelation is within my heart about the disobedience of the wicked:
2For he flatters himself in his own eyes,
3The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit.
4He plots iniquity on his bed.
5Your loving kindness, LORD, is in the heavens.
6Your righteousness is like the mountains of God.
7How precious is your loving kindness, God!
8They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of your house.
9For with you is the spring of life.
10Oh continue your loving kindness to those who know you,
11Don’t let the foot of pride come against me.
12There the workers of iniquity are fallen.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalms 36:5
“Your loving kindness, LORD, is in the heavens.”
This verse uses expansive imagery to describe the infinite and universal scale of God's character.
Psalms 36:9
“For with you is the spring of life.”
It identifies God as the essential and sustaining source of all physical and spiritual existence.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 36 opens with a description of the wicked person, noting their lack of fear for God and their tendency to plot iniquity even while at rest. Their speech is characterized by deceit and a rejection of wisdom. In stark contrast, the psalmist then praises the attributes of God, describing His loving kindness as reaching to the heavens and His righteousness as firm as the mountains. God is depicted as a provider of refuge, where people find satisfaction in the abundance of His house and drink from the river of His pleasures. The chapter emphasizes that God is the spring of life and the source of true light. It concludes with a petition for God to continue His mercy toward the upright and to prevent the foot of pride from overcoming the psalmist, while observing the inevitable fall of those who work iniquity.
Frequently Asked Questions
The psalm contrasts the character of the wicked with the character of God. While the wicked are described as deceitful and self-flattering, God is portrayed as faithful, righteous, and a source of abundant life.
The phrase indicates that God is the ultimate source of all vitality and existence. It suggests that true life and fulfillment are found only in connection with the Creator.
The wicked are described as individuals who flatter themselves, speak words of iniquity and deceit, and spend their time plotting evil even when they are in bed.
Study Note
The Hebrew term 'hesed', translated here as 'loving kindness,' appears three times in this chapter, emphasizing God's loyal and steadfast covenant love.
Related Chapters
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.