Psalm 36:3

3 The words of his mouth are transgression and deceit: he is not inclined to understand how to do good.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 36:3 In-Context

1 The transgressor, that he may sin, says within himself, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.

2 For he has dealt craftily before him, to discover his iniquity and hate it.

3 The words of his mouth are transgression and deceit: he is not inclined to understand how to do good.

4 He devises iniquity on his bed; he gives himself to every evil way; and does not abhor evil.

5 O Lord, thy mercy is in the heaven; and thy truth reaches to the clouds.

6 Thy righteousness is as the mountains of God, thy judgments are as a great deep: O Lord, thou wilt preserve men and beasts.

7 How hast thou multiplied thy mercy, O God! so the children of men shall trust in the shelter of thy wings.

8 They shall be fully satisfied with the fatness of thine house; and thou shalt cause them to drink of the full stream of thy delights.

9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light we shall see light.

10 Extend thy mercy to them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of sinners move me.

12 There have all the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast out, and shall not be able to stand.