Psalm 36:4 - The Transgression of the Wicked

Even on his bed he plots wickedness;
This phrase suggests a deep-seated inclination towards sin, indicating that the individual is consumed by evil thoughts even in moments of rest. In biblical times, the bed was often a place of reflection and planning, as seen in Micah 2:1, where individuals devise iniquity upon their beds. This reflects a heart that is not at peace, constantly scheming rather than seeking righteousness. The imagery of plotting on one's bed underscores the pervasive nature of sin, as it infiltrates even the most private and personal spaces of life.

he sets himself on a path that is not good;
The concept of a "path" in Scripture often symbolizes one's way of life or moral direction. Proverbs 4:14-15 warns against entering the path of the wicked, emphasizing the importance of choosing a righteous path. This phrase indicates a deliberate choice to pursue a lifestyle contrary to God's will. The "path that is not good" suggests a trajectory leading away from divine truth and towards destruction, reminiscent of the broad road leading to destruction mentioned in Matthew 7:13.

he fails to reject evil.
This phrase highlights a lack of discernment and moral fortitude. In the biblical context, rejecting evil is a fundamental aspect of living a life pleasing to God, as seen in passages like Romans 12:9, which instructs believers to abhor what is evil. The failure to reject evil implies a passive acceptance or even an embrace of sin, contrasting with the active resistance required of the faithful. This failure can be seen as a rejection of the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:7, which advises not to be wise in one's own eyes but to fear the Lord and shun evil.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 36, David was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. He often wrote about the contrast between the wicked and the righteous.

2. The Wicked
This term refers to those who live in opposition to God's ways, characterized by plotting evil and rejecting righteousness.

3. The Path
Symbolic of one's life choices and moral direction. In this context, it refers to a path of wickedness and evil.

Teaching Points

The Nature of Wickedness
Wickedness is not just an outward action but begins in the heart and mind. Even in moments of rest, the wicked plot evil, showing the depth of their corruption.

The Importance of Rejecting Evil
A conscious decision must be made to reject evil. The failure to do so leads one down a path that is not good, away from God's righteousness.

Guarding Our Thoughts
As believers, we must be vigilant about what occupies our minds, especially in private moments. Our thoughts can set the course for our actions.

Choosing the Right Path
The path we choose reflects our relationship with God. We must actively choose paths that align with His will and reject those that lead to sin.

The Consequences of Sin
Persistent sin hardens the heart and distances us from God. Recognizing and turning away from sin is crucial for spiritual health.

Verse 4. - He deviseth mischief upon his bed; rather, he deviseth iniquity - the same word as in the preceding verse. In the night, when he should be looked in innocent slumber, he lies awake, devising wicked schemes against others (comp. Proverbs 4:16; Micah 2:1). He setteth himself in a way that is not good. More correct than the Prayer-book Version, "He hath set himself in no good way." The wicked man is not merely negatively bad; he determinately chooses a path of life that is evil. He abhorroth not evil. He has no aversion to it, no horror of it, no shrinking from it. Whether a thing is right or wrong is to him a matter of complete indifference. So callous is he, so hardened. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Even on
עַֽל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his bed
מִשְׁכָּ֫ב֥וֹ (miš·kā·ḇōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4904: Place of lying, a couch, act of lying

he plots
יַחְשֹׁ֗ב (yaḥ·šōḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2803: To think, account

wickedness;
אָ֤וֶן ׀ (’ā·wen)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 205: Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol

he sets
יִ֭תְיַצֵּב (yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3320: To set or station oneself, take one's stand

himself on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

a path
דֶּ֣רֶךְ (de·reḵ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

that is not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

good;
ט֑וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

he does not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

reject
יִמְאָֽס׃ (yim·’ās)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3988: To spurn, to disappear

evil.
רָ֝֗ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

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Psalm 36:4 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 36:4 He plots iniquity on his bed (Psalm Ps Psa.)