Human Sin and God’s Goodness
July 27, 2021
Commentary
In this Psalm the psalmist makes a contrast between the wicked (vv. 1-4) and the Lord (vv. 5-9) before concluding with a prayer for protection (vv. 10-12). David has a half dozen things to say about the wicked They belong to that class of fools who says in their heart that there is no God (v. 1). The wicked has persuaded himself that God will not interfere with what he wants to do (v. 2). Irreverent and self-deceived, he has no qualms against doing evil. The person who opens his heart to deception and rejects the moral standards of the Word of God will see nothing wrong with lying (v. 3a). There was a time when men acted in a way which showed they were aware God was watching, but no more (v. 3b). The wickedman lies awake at night devising wicked schemes against others (v. 4). He deliberately plans to accomplish his own desires.
David found satisfaction by meditating on the attributes of the Lord, and the abundant blessings that come to believers. These attributes are inexhaustible resources for believers. God’s mercy and righteousness are as high as the heavens (v. 5) and as unmovable as the mountains (v. 6). Humans can take refuge in the Lord like chicks taking refuge under their mother’s wings (v. 7). God’s throne is great enough to meet our every need. It is better to be backed by the resources of God’s throne than by the resources of all the banks in the world. Pleasure is God’s invention. God offers us “rivers and fountains” of delight and life (vv. 8-9).
The final verses of this psalm are an intercessory prayer to God that He will protect the righteous from the assaults of the ungodly (vv. 10-11). He envisions his foes as vanquished. The defeat of the ungodly and all the power of hell will be final as the evil workers fall and perish (v. 12).
Application
It is very easy to become calloused to the principles of God's Word and come to the place we don't care what God knows or what He says. I must have safeguards in my life against any wickedness that may creep into my life. I am so thankful for the great satisfaction that is available in the pleasures of the Lord, rather than the entertainment that the world has to offer.
Psalms 36:1–12 (NET)
1 An evil man is rebellious to the core. He does not fear God,
2 for he is too proud to recognize and give up his sin.
3 The words he speaks are sinful and deceitful; he does not care about doing what is wise and right.
4 While he lies in bed he plans ways to sin. He is committed to a sinful lifestyle; he does not reject what is evil.
5 O Lord, your loyal love reaches to the sky, your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your justice is like the highest mountains, your fairness like the deepest sea; you, Lord, preserve mankind and the animal kingdom.
7 How precious is your loyal love, O God! The human race finds shelter under your wings.
8 They are filled with food from your house, and you allow them to drink from the river of your delicacies.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
10 Extend your loyal love to your faithful followers, and vindicate the morally upright.
11 Do not let arrogant men overtake me, or let evil men make me homeless.
12 I can see the evildoers! They have fallen. They have been knocked down and are unable to get up.
College Instructions From John Wesley’s Mother
John Wesley’s mother once wrote to him when he was in college, “If you are tempted to be judge of the lawfulness or the unlawfulness of a pleasure, use this rule: Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscure … Continue