Psalms 36:4

4 He deviseth wickedness up on his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good: he abhorreth not evil.

Psalms 36:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 36:4

He deviseth mischief upon his bed
He casts about in his mind on his pillow, when at leisure from all employment; and consults and contrives schemes how to compass his lusts, and to do injury to others, without doing which he cannot sleep;

he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good,
in an evil way, which he chooses and delights in, and determines to continue in, he leaving the paths of righteousness to walk in the ways of darkness:

he abhorreth not evil;
which is to be abhorred both because of its nature and effects; see ( Romans 12:9 ) ; but on the contrary he loves it, takes pleasure in doing it, and in them that commit it: thus, by his thoughts, words, and actions, he appears to be devoid of the fear of God.

Psalms 36:4 In-Context

2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, [even] when his iniquity is found to be hateful.
3 The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, to do good.
4 He deviseth wickedness up on his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good: he abhorreth not evil.
5 Jehovah, thy loving-kindness is in the heavens, and thy faithfulness [reacheth] unto the clouds.
6 Thy righteousness is like the high mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: thou, Jehovah, preservest man and beast.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or 'vanity,' 'mischief.'
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.