Psalms - Chapter 36

Psalms 36.1 The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. Psalms 36.2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. Psalms 36.3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. Psalms 36.4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil. Psalms 36.5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Psalms 36.6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. Psalms 36.7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. Psalms 36.8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. Psalms 36.9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. Psalms 36.10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. Psalms 36.11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. Psalms 36.12 There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

Psalms : Chapter 36

Reflection on Psalm 36 Psalm 36 contrasts human evil with divine goodness, asking us how God's mercy triumphs over human iniquity. This psalm, attributed to David, vividly illustrates human depravity while exalting the excellence of God's love. Through its verses, it addresses fundamental themes such as the universality of sin, the abundance of divine grace, and the satisfaction found in God. Psalm 36 invites all the faithful to take refuge in the Lord's goodness, offering a source of hope and comfort. In this regard, we invite you to explore five biblical passages that correlate with the contrasts presented in this profound psalm.

Biblical passages correlated with Psalm 36

Romans 3:18: "There is no fear of God before their eyes." - Here, Paul directly quotes Psalm 36:1, thus illustrating the sinful nature of man.

John 4:14: "But whoever drinks the water that I give him will never thirst. But the water that I give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." - This passage echoes the image of the "river of delights" evoked in Psalm 36:8.

1 John 1:5: "This is the message we heard from him and delivered to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." - This reflects the theme of God's light mentioned in Psalm 36:9.

James 4:6: "But he gives us more grace. Therefore the Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" - This verse relates to the theme of the pride of the wicked in Psalm 36:11.

Matthew 5:45: "That they may be children of their Father in heaven. He makes his sun to shine on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust." - This quote echoes the theme of God's universal goodness mentioned in Psalm 36:6.

By meditating on these passages, we are invited to recognize our dependence on divine grace and to seek God's light, which guides and saves us.