Romans 3:18
There is no fear of God before their eyes. This verse echoes the description of the wicked in Psalm 36:1.

Psalm 57:10
For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds. This verse parallels Psalm 36:5, emphasizing God's boundless love and faithfulness.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. This verse highlights the importance of fearing God, as mentioned in Psalm 36.The Nature of the Wicked (Verses 1-4)
An oracle is within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. (Psalm 36:1)
The wicked are characterized by a lack of fear of God, leading to self-deception and sin.
Their words are deceitful, and they fail to act wisely or do good.
They plot evil even on their beds, showing a deep-seated commitment to wrongdoing.

The Attributes of God (Verses 5-9)
Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds. (Psalm 36:5)
God's love and faithfulness are vast and immeasurable, extending beyond human comprehension.
His righteousness is like the mighty mountains, and His judgments are like the great deep.
God is a source of life and light, providing refuge and satisfaction to those who seek Him.

A Prayer for Protection and Blessing (Verses 10-12)
Continue Your loving devotion to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart. (Psalm 36:10)
David prays for God's continued love and righteousness for the faithful.
He seeks protection from the prideful and the wicked, trusting in God's justice.Cultivate a Fear of God
Regularly examine your heart to ensure that you maintain a reverent fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom.

Reflect on God's Attributes
Spend time meditating on the vastness of God's love, faithfulness, and righteousness, allowing these truths to transform your perspective and actions.

Seek Refuge in God
In times of trouble, turn to God as your refuge and source of life, trusting in His provision and protection.

Pray for God's Continued Guidance
Make it a habit to pray for God's loving devotion and righteousness to guide you and protect you from evil influences.1. The Wicked
This refers to individuals who are described as having "no fear of God before their eyes" (Psalm 36:1). The Hebrew term used here is "רָשָׁע" (rasha), which denotes someone who is morally wrong or guilty.

2. The LORD
This is the covenant name of God, represented in Hebrew as "יהוה" (YHWH). In Psalm 36:5, it states, "Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds" . This highlights God's steadfast love and faithfulness.

3. Man
In Psalm 36:7, it mentions "the children of men" , referring to humanity in general. The Hebrew word used is "אָדָם" (adam), which can mean mankind or human beings collectively.1. The Heart of the Wicked
This is a metaphorical place where "sin whispers" (Psalm 36:1). In Hebrew, the word for heart is "לֵב" (lev), which often represents the inner self or mind.

2. The Heavens
God's love is described as reaching to the heavens (Psalm 36:5). The Hebrew word "שָׁמַיִם" (shamayim) is used, indicating the sky or the abode of God.

3. The Clouds
God's faithfulness is said to reach to the clouds (Psalm 36:5). The Hebrew word "עָב" (av) refers to clouds, symbolizing the vastness and omnipresence of God's faithfulness.

4. The Mountains of God
God's righteousness is compared to the mighty mountains (Psalm 36:6). The Hebrew word "הַר" (har) is used for mountains, symbolizing strength and stability.

5. The Great Deep
God's judgments are likened to the great deep (Psalm 36:6). The Hebrew term "תְּהוֹם" (tehom) refers to the depths of the sea, symbolizing the profound and unfathomable nature of God's judgments.1. The Sinfulness of the Wicked (Verses 1-4)
The psalm begins by describing the nature of the wicked. "An oracle is within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes" (Psalm 36:1). The Hebrew word for "oracle" (נְאֻם, ne'um) suggests a divine revelation about the moral state of the wicked, emphasizing their lack of reverence for God.

2. Self-Deception and Malice (Verses 2-3)
The wicked flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. "For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin" (Psalm 36:2). The Hebrew root for "flatter" (חָלַק, chalaq) implies smoothness or deceit, indicating self-deception.

3. Commitment to Evil (Verse 4)
The wicked plot evil even on their beds and commit themselves to a sinful path. "Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he does not reject evil" (Psalm 36:4). The Hebrew word for "plots" (חָשַׁב, chashav) conveys the idea of devising or planning.

4. The Lovingkindness of God (Verses 5-6)
The psalmist shifts focus to God's attributes, highlighting His steadfast love and faithfulness. "Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds" (Psalm 36:5). The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, chesed) is often translated as "steadfast love" or "mercy."

5. God’s Righteousness and Justice (Verse 6)
God's righteousness is described as being like the mighty mountains, and His judgments like the great deep. "Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgments are like the deepest sea" (Psalm 36:6). The Hebrew word for "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tzedakah) denotes justice and moral integrity.

6. God’s Preservation of Life (Verse 6)
The psalmist acknowledges God's care for all creation. "O LORD, You preserve man and beast" (Psalm 36:6). The Hebrew root for "preserve" (יָשַׁע, yasha) implies deliverance or salvation.

7. The Abundance of God’s House (Verses 7-8)
Those who take refuge in God experience the abundance of His house and drink from His river of delights. "They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights" (Psalm 36:8). The Hebrew word for "delights" (עֵדֶן, eden) suggests pleasure or joy.

8. The Fountain of Life and Light (Verse 9)
God is described as the source of life and light. "For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light" (Psalm 36:9). The Hebrew word for "fountain" (מָקוֹר, maqor) indicates a source or spring.

9. Prayer for Continued Love and Protection (Verses 10-11)
The psalmist prays for God's continued love and protection for the upright. "Extend Your loving devotion to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart" (Psalm 36:10).

10. Final Petition Against the Wicked (Verse 12)
The psalm concludes with a petition against the wicked, asking that they not be allowed to prevail. "There the evildoers lie fallen, thrown down and unable to rise" (Psalm 36:12).1. The Depravity of the Wicked (Verses 1-4)
The psalm begins by describing the sinful nature of the wicked. "An oracle is within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes" (Psalm 36:1). The Hebrew word for "oracle" (נְאֻם, ne'um) suggests a divine revelation about the depth of human sinfulness, highlighting the absence of reverence for God.

2. Self-Deception and Malice (Verses 2-3)
The wicked flatter themselves and fail to recognize their own iniquity. "For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin" (Psalm 36:2). The Hebrew root for "conceit" (חָלַק, chalak) implies smoothness or flattery, indicating self-deception.

3. Persistent Evil (Verse 4)
The wicked are committed to their sinful ways. "Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he does not reject evil" (Psalm 36:4). The Hebrew word for "plots" (חָשַׁב, chashab) conveys the idea of devising or planning, showing intentionality in wrongdoing.

4. The Lovingkindness of God (Verses 5-6)
The psalm shifts to extol God's steadfast love and faithfulness. "Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds" (Psalm 36:5). The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, chesed) is central to understanding God's covenantal love.

5. God’s Righteousness and Justice (Verse 6)
God's righteousness is described as majestic and unchanging. "Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgments are like the deepest sea" (Psalm 36:6). The Hebrew word for "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) emphasizes moral integrity and justice.

6. God’s Preservation of Life (Verse 6)
God is the sustainer of all creation. "O LORD, You preserve man and beast" (Psalm 36:6). The Hebrew root for "preserve" (יָשַׁע, yasha) implies deliverance and protection.

7. The Abundance of God’s House (Verses 7-8)
Believers find refuge and satisfaction in God’s presence. "How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings" (Psalm 36:7). The imagery of "wings" suggests protection and care.

8. The Fountain of Life and Light (Verse 9)
God is the source of life and enlightenment. "For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light" (Psalm 36:9). The Hebrew word for "fountain" (מָקוֹר, maqor) signifies a life-giving source.

9. Prayer for Continued Lovingkindness (Verses 10-11)
The psalmist prays for God’s ongoing love and protection. "Extend Your loving devotion to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart" (Psalm 36:10). The plea reflects a desire for God’s enduring presence.

10. The Downfall of the Wicked (Verse 12)
The psalm concludes with the assurance of the ultimate defeat of the wicked. "There the evildoers lie fallen, thrown down and unable to rise" (Psalm 36:12). This final verse underscores the certainty of divine justice.1. The Depravity of the Wicked
Psalm 36 begins by highlighting the sinful nature of the wicked. The psalmist describes how "there is no fear of God before his eyes" (Psalm 36:1). This theme underscores the moral corruption and arrogance of those who reject God, rooted in the Hebrew word "פַּחַד" (pachad), meaning fear or dread, indicating a lack of reverence for God.

2. Self-Deception and Flattery
The wicked are portrayed as self-deceptive, flattering themselves in their own eyes. "For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin" (Psalm 36:2). This theme emphasizes the danger of self-deception, where the Hebrew word "חָלַק" (chalak) for "flatter" suggests a smooth or slippery path, leading to moral blindness.

3. The Corruption of Speech and Actions
The psalmist notes that the words of the wicked are "trouble and deceit" (Psalm 36:3). This theme highlights the destructive power of corrupt speech and actions, with "אָוֶן" (aven) for "trouble" and "מִרְמָה" (mirmah) for "deceit," indicating a deep-seated intent to harm and mislead.

4. The Contrast of God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness
In contrast to the wicked, God's attributes are celebrated: "Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds" (Psalm 36:5). This theme emphasizes God's "חֶסֶד" (chesed), or steadfast love, and "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah), or faithfulness, highlighting His eternal and boundless nature.

5. God's Righteousness and Justice
The psalmist declares, "Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, Your judgments like the deepest sea" (Psalm 36:6). This theme underscores God's moral perfection and just governance, with "צֶדֶק" (tsedeq) for righteousness and "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat) for judgments, portraying His unwavering commitment to justice.

6. The Abundance of God's Provision and Protection
God's provision and protection are depicted as abundant and life-giving: "They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights" (Psalm 36:8). This theme reflects God's generous care, with "שָׁמַן" (shaman) for abundance and "נַחַל" (nachal) for river, symbolizing sustenance and joy.

7. The Fountain of Life and Light
The psalmist acknowledges God as the source of life and enlightenment: "For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light" (Psalm 36:9). This theme highlights the divine origin of life and truth, with "מְקוֹר" (maqor) for fountain and "אוֹר" (or) for light, emphasizing spiritual illumination and vitality.

8. A Prayer for Continued Lovingkindness and Protection
The psalm concludes with a prayer for God's continued love and protection: "Continue Your loving devotion to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart" (Psalm 36:10). This theme reflects a desire for ongoing divine favor and moral integrity, with "יָדַע" (yada) for know, indicating an intimate relationship with God.1. Psalm 36:5 mentions God’s love extending “to the heavens”—how does this align with modern cosmological understanding of an expanding universe?

2. In Psalm 36:6, God’s judgments are likened to the deep—what historical or archaeological support exists for such extreme claims of divine intervention?

3. Psalm 36:1 suggests the wicked have “no fear of God”—how is this reconciled with other biblical texts claiming innate moral awareness (Romans 2:14–15)?

4. Psalm 36:7 speaks of taking refuge in God’s shadow—what scientific or historical evidence supports the literal or metaphorical validity of this promise?

5. Psalm 36:9 states, “in Your light we see light”—how do skeptics address this assertion in light of modern physics and our understanding of light’s properties?

1. How does David portray the wicked in verses 1-4? Reflect on this description in the context of our modern society.

2. What does it mean that God's love "extends to the heavens" and His faithfulness "reaches the clouds"?

3. How can understanding God's righteousness and judgment, as described in verse 6, impact our daily decisions and interactions?

4. How does the imagery of people and animals taking refuge under God's wings resonate with you personally?

5. In what ways have you experienced the "river of God's delights" and His light in your life?

6. How does Psalm 36 influence your understanding of God's providential care?

7. What actions can we take to ensure we continue to experience God's love and righteousness?

8. How does the downfall of the wicked, as described in verses 11-12, reflect on the consequences of pride and wickedness in contemporary society?

9. What insights does this Psalm provide into the character of God and how can these insights inspire you in your life?

10. How can you live a life that reflects the righteousness described in this Psalm?

11. Discuss the contrast between human wickedness and God's boundless love as described in this Psalm.

12. In what ways can you practically extend the love and righteousness of God to others in your daily life?

13. How does Psalm 36 inspire you to seek refuge in God during times of adversity?

14. What does this Psalm teach about God's perception of sin and how does this compare with societal views today?

15. Reflect on the concept of God as the source of life and light. How has this been evident in your own life?

16. How does the assurance of the wicked's downfall comfort you, and how should it shape your interactions with the world?

17. What changes can you make in your life in response to the description of the wicked in this Psalm?

18. How does the understanding of God's boundless love impact your spiritual journey?

19. How can this Psalm guide you in your prayer life?

20. Reflect on the significance of God's Sanctuary as described in this Psalm. How can we create a personal "sanctuary" in our daily lives?