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Psalms 36

Psalms 36 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalms 36 sets the darkness of human sin beside the height and depth of God's character. David describes the corrupt path of the wicked, then turns to praise God's faithful love, righteousness, and care for all who seek refuge in Him.

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What happens in Psalms 36?

The psalm begins with a blunt picture of the wicked: they lack reverence for God, ignore their own sin, speak deceitfully, and choose harmful ways. After that, the tone shifts sharply to worship. David celebrates God's loyal love, faithfulness, righteousness, and just rule over creation. He pictures people taking shelter under God's care, being satisfied by His house, and receiving life from Him. The closing verses ask God to keep His loving devotion on those who know Him and to guard the psalmist from the proud and violent, ending with the fall of evildoers.

This psalm sits in Book I of Psalms, where David's prayers often move between distress, trust, and praise. Here, the contrast between wickedness and God's goodness is especially clear, preparing readers for the recurring theme that the Lord protects the righteous while opposing evil.

Themes to notice

  • Human WickednessThe psalm opens by describing the inner blindness, deceit, and harmful choices of those who do not fear God.
  • God's Steadfast LoveDavid celebrates God's covenant love, faithfulness, and righteousness as greater than human corruption.
  • Refuge and LifeThose who trust God find shelter, satisfaction, and light in His presence.

Questions for Psalms 36

  • What does this psalm show about the mindset and habits of the wicked?
  • How do the descriptions of God's love, faithfulness, and righteousness shape your view of Him?
  • What does it mean to take refuge in God and walk in His light?

Read the full text of Psalms 36 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 36

The Transgression of the Wicked

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD.

1An oracle is in my heart

regarding the transgression of the wicked man:

There is no fear of God

before his eyes.

2For his eyes are too full of conceit

to detect or hate his own sin.

3The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;

he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.

4Even on his bed he plots wickedness;

he sets himself on a path that is not good;

he fails to reject evil.

5Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,

Your faithfulness to the clouds.

6Your righteousness is like the highest mountains;

Your judgments are like the deepest sea.

O LORD, You preserve man and beast.

7How precious is Your loving devotion, O God,

that the children of men take refuge

in the shadow of Your wings!

8They feast on the abundance of Your house,

and You give them drink from Your river of delights.

9For with You is the fountain of life;

in Your light we see light.

10Extend Your loving devotion to those who know You,

and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

11Let not the foot of the proud come against me,

nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12There the evildoers lie fallen,

thrown down and unable to rise.

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