Psalms 36:4

“He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.”

Context: Psalm 36 is attributed to David and is categorized as a psalm of lament. In this psalm, David contrasts the wickedness of the evildoers with the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.

Understanding the verse: In verse 4, David describes the wicked person who is actively involved in planning and devising mischief while lying on his bed. This person is committed to walking in a path that is not good, and what is particularly troubling is that they do not detest or reject evil. The verse highlights the persistent rebellion and lack of moral conscience in the hearts of those who oppose God’s ways.

Reflection on human nature: This verse sheds light on the fallen nature of humanity. It reveals the capacity of individuals to harbor evil thoughts, engage in wrongdoing, and even plan mischief while being fully aware of the immoral nature of their actions. It reminds us of the innate sinfulness of humanity and our need for God’s grace and transformation in our lives.

Consequences of rejecting God: The verse implies that when individuals choose to set themselves on a path contrary to God’s ways, they become susceptible to engaging in further wickedness. Their hearts become calloused to evil, and they lose the ability to discern right from wrong. The rejection of God’s moral standards can lead to a downward spiral of increasing immorality and spiritual blindness.

God’s contrasting attributes: While the verse focuses on the wickedness of humanity, it also highlights the contrasting attributes of God. The psalmist goes on to describe God’s steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and judgments in the subsequent verses (Psalm 36:5-6). Even in the face of human wickedness, God remains constant in His character and offers a refuge for those who seek Him.