Bible Commentary

Psalms 36:1-4

Matthew Henry on Psalms 36:1-4

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

From this psalm our hearts should be duly affected with hatred of sin, and seek satisfaction in God's loving-kindness. Here is the root of bitterness, from which all the wickedness of wicked men comes.

It takes rise from contempt of God, and the want of due regard to him. Also from the deceit they put upon their own souls. Let us daily beg of God to preserve us from self-flattery. Sin is very hurtful to the sinner himself, and therefore ought to be hateful; but it is not so.

It is no marvel, if those that deceive themselves, seek to deceive all mankind; to whom will they be true, who are false to their own souls? It is bad to do mischief, but worse to devise it, to do it with plot and management.

If we willingly banish holy meditations in our solitary hours, Satan will soon occupy our minds with sinful imaginations. Hardened sinners stand to what they have done, as though they could justify it before God himself.

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 36:1-4

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1-12Psalms 36:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION THIS short psalm is mainly didactic. It places in contrast the extreme wickedness of the wicked and the inexhaustible fulness of love, faithfulness, and righteousness which characterizes the God whom the wick…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1Psalms 36:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe transgression of the wicked saith within my heart. This is a difficult passage. In the first place, the text is uncertain, since some manuscripts have לבו, "his heart," in the place of לבי, "my heart." And further,…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1-4Psalms 36:1-4 · The Pulpit CommentaryGod's revelation of man to himself; or, the transgressors heart turned inside out. It has been thought by some that this psalm was written about the time when Saul gave his daughter Michal to David with a treacherous de…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1-12Psalms 36:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryWe have here a terrible picture of, the wicked man. I. HIS HEART IS THE SEAT OF EVIL. It is there as an "oracle.' It is enthroned. It speaks with authority. It gives forth its decrees for obedience. The true is opposed…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1-12Psalms 36:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryAspice. Look around, how distressing is the scene! Look back, it is the fame tale of human care and crime. Look before, little to encourage, or to lead us to believe that things will be better than they are. But look up…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1-12Psalms 36:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe curse of wickedness and the blessedness of fellowship with God. The psalmist complains of the moral corruption of his generation, and points the character of the time rather than any particular occurrence—unless "th…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1-12EXPOSITION THIS short psalm is mainly didactic. It places in contrast the extreme wickedness of the wicked and the inexhaustible fulness of love, faithfulness, and righteousness which characterizes the God whom the wick…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart. This is a difficult passage. In the first place, the text is uncertain, since some manuscripts have לבו, "his heart," in the place of לבי, "my heart." And further,…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1-12The curse of wickedness and the blessedness of fellowship with God. The psalmist complains of the moral corruption of his generation, and points the character of the time rather than any particular occurrence—unless "th…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1-4God's revelation of man to himself; or, the transgressors heart turned inside out. It has been thought by some that this psalm was written about the time when Saul gave his daughter Michal to David with a treacherous de…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1-12We have here a terrible picture of, the wicked man. I. HIS HEART IS THE SEAT OF EVIL. It is there as an "oracle.' It is enthroned. It speaks with authority. It gives forth its decrees for obedience. The true is opposed…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:1-12Aspice. Look around, how distressing is the scene! Look back, it is the fame tale of human care and crime. Look before, little to encourage, or to lead us to believe that things will be better than they are. But look up…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:2For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. Another very obscure verse, explained in various ways. The rendering of Professor Alexander is to be preferred, "For he fiattereth hi…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 36:3The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit (comp. Psalms 12:2; Psalms 28:3). He hath left off to be wise, and to do good. There was a time when he occasionally acted wisely, and did what was right. But that time is…Joseph S. Exell and contributors