Andrew's Live Bible Study Notes – 6/13/17
Scriptures used:Psalms36:1-12
Psalms 36:1 1 –The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:1
The Apostle Paul said this same thing in Romans 3:18. If the ungodly were thinking about having to give an account for their actions before the Lord someday, they wouldn’t do the things they do.
Think about speeding in a car. If there were a posted speed limit but no police to enforce it, people would ignore the speed limit. They ignore it to a large degree anyway. But when they see a policeman, they
immediately slow down because of a fear of being caught.
Likewise, people know there are things they are not supposed to do, but
they violate the commands because they don’t fear getting caught. Because the judgment for their actions is so far away, they indulge their lust, and forget a reckoning is coming.
The Law established punishments for violating God’s laws and put a fear of God in those who would heed it. But in the New Covenant, we are changed from the inside out. God puts in us the desire to live holy
(Heb.10:16) and motivates us to obey because of love (1 John 5:3).
Notice that David said this was what the transgression of the wicked said in his heart. This isn’t what the wicked who transgress say in their hearts. David went on to explain in Psalms 36:2 that the wicked have
deceived themselves into believing they won’t get caught or punished.
Psalms 36:2 –
For he flatters himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:2
The definition of the word “ flatter,”as used here, is “to persuade (oneself) that something one wants to believe is the case.” In other words, it is self-deception. There is an intuitive knowledge of right and wrong on the inside of every person (see my notes at Rom.1:18 and 20). To live a life of sin, people have to flatter, or deceive, themselves into believing they will not be caught or not caring if they get caught and punished.
The Amplified Bible translates this verse, “For he flatters and deceives himself in his own eyes that his iniquity will not be found out and be hated.”
Psalms 36:3 –
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise,
and to do good.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:3
According to Psalms 36:1 -2, this is describing the people who are wicked and have deceived them selves into thinking there is nothing wrong with what they are doing. This comes out in the words they say. They
say evil and deceitful things. Therefore, people who talk this way testify that they are wicked and deceived
.
Psalms 36:4 –
He devises mischief upon his bed; he sets himself in a way
that is not good; he abhorred not evil.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:4
Maybe the first part of this verse is referring to the wicked (Ps.36:1) being so given over to evil that even in their subconscious dreams, they’re plotting evil.
Not abhorring evil is a sign of wickedness.
Compare with Proverbs 8:13 and Romans 12:9.
Psalms 36:5 –
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness
reaches unto the clouds.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:5
Psalms 36:1 -4
speak of the wicked. They are self-deceived (Ps.36:2) into thinking they will not be held accountable for their actions. They act and speak in ungodly ways and give themselves over to doing evil.
The rest of Psalms 36 speaks of the Lord’s mercy. Why are these two things contrasted in this psalm?
First of all, if it wasn’t for the mercy of the Lord, all the wicked would be destroyed in this life for their contempt of God and His standards.
Second, a time is coming when this self - deception will be removed,
and the wicked will spend an eternity realizing just how merciful God was to them. I believe that will be a big part of the hell they live in.
Psalms 36:6 –
Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments
are a great deep: O LORD, thou preserves man and beast.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:6
Why is God’s righteousness compared to the great mountains? Mountains are so large and obvious that you can’t miss them. They are immovable and eternal. They are barriers that take great effort to get
around. They are beautiful.
When the self-deception of the wicked is finally removed in judgment, they will be eternally tormented with these truths about God’s goodness and mercy. They will realize how stupid they were for ignoring
something as big and obvious as God’s mercy. They will realize the terrible effort they had to put into denying the conviction of the Holy Spirit
who was trying to lead them out of their sins. They will fully
realize how beautiful their lives could have been if they had just responded positively to the Lord. What a waste!
Psalms 36:7 – How excellent is thy loving kindness, O GOD! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:7
The English word “excellent” was translated from the Hebrew word “YAQAR,” and it means “valuable”
(Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary). How valuable is the loving kindness of God?
Some people may not place much importance on it now, but when we stand before the Lord at the judgment, it will be priceless.
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.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:8
What a promise! God’s provision and pleasures are out of this world!
Psalms 36:9 –
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:9
The word “fountain,” as used here, denotes the source or origin. God is the source and origin of life. And it is only through the light He imparts that we can truly see our lives or any of the great truths of life.
Our understanding comes from Him. Those who reject God
have no understanding (Ps.14:1 and 53:1).
Psalms 36:10 –
O continue thy loving kindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:10
This prayer was certainly answered and has become an irrevocable part of the New Covenant(Is.54:9).
Psalms 36:11 –
Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:11
Pride is the precursor of destruction (Prov.16:18), and humility brings godly exaltation (1 Pet.5:6).
Psalms 36: 12 –
There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.
Living Commentary
Note on Psalms 36:12
Where are the workers of iniquity fallen? According to Psalms 36:11, it is in pride that the workers of iniquity are fallen.
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