Hello, my friend. Today we look at PSALM 36, another intriguing word from David, the servant of the Lord. The NIV has confusingly translated verse 1, “An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked.” The literal translation in the New American Standard and the Revised Standard versions is, “Transgression speaks to the ungodly deep in his heart.” What the NIV is saying is that David had received an oracle, or an insight deep within him, regarding the real meaning of wickedness. And then he describes ultimate evil in the next verse: “There is no fear of God before his eyes. He flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. The words of his mouth are mischief and deceit. He has ceased to be wise and to do good. Even on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong.” What a candid, compelling description of the source of all sin; it is deep within the heart of a person who has no intention of knowing and obeying and serving God. It is a heart matter, deep within ones spirit.
What a stirring, convicting paragraph. But then we see how David, in the following verses, contrasts this dismal picture with the glorious description of a person who seeks the Lord. David rejoices in a Lord whose love reaches to the heavens, whose faithfulness reaches to the skies, whose righteousness is like the mighty mountains, whose justice is as vast and as deep as the ocean. He stretches the edges of his descriptive skills to glorify and praise the Lord. I love this.
And then, in another vein, he continues by praising God for His priceless, unfailing love, which welcomes both high and low among men to find refuge in the shadow of His wings. And verses 8 and 9 are so rich, how can one describe the joy of loving the Lord better. “They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” Hey, isn’t that wonderful as we move into another week? As we walk with God, amidst the pressures and trials of life, we can feast, we can drink with delight, we can enjoy life and know that in God’s Word we see light. Two great contrasts in this chapter. It doesn’t take a brilliant person to obviously make the right choice.
Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful chapter, rousing us to the foolishness of unbelief. We feel ashamed at how meager is our enjoyment of you and long to love you well. Bless my friend who has joined in, and in particular those in very special need whom we love and for whom we daily pray.
It’s a blessing to be with you, partner, and I pray for you with joy and thankfulness. I thank God for you. Cheerio!
Village Schools of the Bible 