Different Worlds

Point’s Of Reference

Psalm 36:1-5, “

1  Transgression speaks to the wicked

deep in his heart;

there is no fear of God

before his eyes.

2  For he flatters himself in his own eyes

that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.

3  The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;

he has ceased to act wisely and do good.

4  He plots trouble while on his bed;

he sets himself in a way that is not good;

he does not reject evil.

5  Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the clouds.

This is a psalm that David wrote, as we see in the title. It is a psalm that immediately addresses what happens in the life of the wicked. You may wonder, and you may not wonder. But you may wonder what makes the function and empowerment of a wicked person happen.

It happens, not at the surface. It takes place at a deep heart level. Sin, speaks conversely to the wicked person.

Let’s contrast this, with John 10:5, “But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."

The psalm here states that the wicked listen to the voice of sin. It is a speaking voice. Causing: no fear of God, loss of all sense and wisdom, and causes a full time job, where even on his bed, he plans his course and by hardening of the heart, does not reject evil.

A commentary, explained (Derek Kidner) that the flattery, of himself, shows that there is a lostness of all point of reference of moral value, and right and wrong. His sin and iniquity cannot be realized, or found out, and hated, and departed from.

It is a decision, at some point.

But then, the psalm moves into worship in verse 5, declaring the goodness and faithfulness of God, by the person, David, who wrote the psalm. These are different worlds. Each have an occupation.

David’s Faith and Light

Read Psalm 36:6-10, “ Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;

your judgments are like the great deep;

man and beast you save, O LORD.

7  How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8  They feast on the abundance of your house,

and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

9  For with you is the fountain of life;

in your light do we see light.

10  Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,

and your righteousness to the upright of heart.”

Also, in view of the corrupt error of mankind, the righteousness of God is seen. Not just in being legally right, but right, because he is loving, he is merciful, he is a place of refuge for those who call on his name, he is a God who provides for and nourishes the soul of his own people, who hunger and thirst for him and he is the life source of his creation.

David speaks about his understanding of Yahweh, being his fount. He ackownledges, that all men have light, but that with God’s truth, do we truly see what is real. In your light, do we see light.

And David prays to the Lord, that his steadfast love would continue to those who know Yahweh, to those who know his voice, and are walking in God’s ways, and are upright.

Prayer For Divine Aid

English Standard Version Psalm 36

11  Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,

nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12  There the evildoers lie fallen;

they are thrust down, unable to rise.

David, in many cases, prays, like probably here as well, not just for his own sake, but also for the sake representing Israel and the faithful in Israel.

David prays asking God, that the wicked, the arrogant (who don’t even know they are walking in this state, as a means to change) would not get into his life and have power over him. He seeks that the predominant power in Israel would be that of righteousness and the kingdom of God.

David declares this victory by a revelation that this is true, by fact that the evil are fallen, and lie on the ground so as not to have ability to rise up and conquer the good of the land.