Psalms 36:3

3 The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and deceit, He ceased to act prudently -- to do good.

Psalms 36:3 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 36:3

The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and deceit
Not only sinful, but sin itself; his mouth is full of cursing and bitterness, of filthy and unchaste words, of corrupt communication, lying, deceit, and flattery; out of the abundance of the wickedness of his heart his mouth speaketh; and which shows the badness of it, and proves all that is said before of him;

he hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good;
by which the psalmist seems to intend one that had been a professor of religion, who, besides the light of nature he had acted contrary to, had had the advantage of a divine revelation, and had been enlightened into the knowledge of divine things, and had done many things externally good, particularly acts of beneficence; but now had dropped his profession of religion, denied the truths he had been enlightened into, and ceased from doing good; otherwise a natural man understandeth not; and, though he is wise to do evil, to do good he has no knowledge.

Psalms 36:3 In-Context

1 To the Overseer. -- By a servant of Jehovah, by David. The transgression of the wicked Is affirming within my heart, `Fear of God is not before his eyes,
2 For he made [it] smooth to himself in his eyes, To find his iniquity to be hated.
3 The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and deceit, He ceased to act prudently -- to do good.
4 Iniquity he deviseth on his bed, He stationeth himself on a way not good, Evil he doth not refuse.'
5 O Jehovah, in the heavens [is] Thy kindness, Thy faithfulness [is] unto the clouds.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.