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Presented, September 2, 2007 

PSALM 36

Man’s Wickedness and God’s Goodness

Tonight, we continue our study of the psalms.  In this psalm we come to another psalm of contrast. This one however, emphasizes the way of the wicked and contrasts that with the goodness of God.  David begins by saying “An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked.”  The NASU says, “Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart.”  KJV, “The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart.”  There is question as to which of these is most accurate.  Both present truths to consider. One describes the heart of the sinner as it reasons concerning the sins he is considering.  The other describes how the godly (David) observes in the transgressions of the wicked that there is no fear of God in his eyes.

I.                    I.     The Wicked Described (1-4)

One of the outstanding elements of this psalm, to me, is its description of the wicked.  Notice how it appeals to his reasoning.

a.        They transgress - the word “transgress” means,“ to go beyond”  or rebel against God.  This described one with intent. David is describing the one who has no intention of obeying God.
This describes the attitude of so many today – who outright deny that God exists or they display some bitter attitude toward God.  Such KNOW they are not conforming to the will of God but they do not care.  I am reminded of Ahab who is warned by the prophet Micaiah that if he goes to war he will die (see 1 Kings 22).  Ahab doesn’t care and goes anyway – and he dies!

b.       There is no fear of God in them.
This is really the foundation of a life of ungodliness. 
We are taught within scripture to fear God and keep His commandments (Eccl. 12:13, 1 Peter 2:17 – where we are simply told to “fear God”).  The very idea of reverence is a proper attitude toward Him.
The ungodly are not afraid of God.  They are taught He does not exist or that He doesn’t care what we do.  I am greatly disturbed by our society’s attempt to remove any mention of God.  No wonder the wicked do not fear Him.  They will not put their hand on a Bible in court, or if they do, they don’t hesitate to lie after affirming to tell the truth.  Fearing God is simply something they have never given consideration to. 
Interestingly, this verse is quoted in Romans 3:18 where Paul establishes that all are guilty of sin.

c.        He flatters himself (pride) in his own eyes. 
Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”
It is something we are to guard against - 1 Peter 5:5 calls for us to submit to one another and be clothed with humility, because “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
The wicked thinks he is smart and he knows this world.  Paul speaks of the wise considering the message of the cross foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18).  He thinks he doesn’t need God.  Many will even do as David said earlier in Psalm 10:3, “The wicked boasts of his heart’s desire; He blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord.”
Another concern is the one who is deluded by thinking he is acceptable as he is.  The average person believes he is going to heaven (I believe it is in the 90% range) even though he has no intention of obeying God’s will.  Romans 10:3 says, “they being ignorant of God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.”  While this text speaks primarily of the Jewish leaders rejecting God and Jesus, the principle applies to all who with pride reject a need to obey God. 

d.       His words are full of deceit and wickedness
The wicked doesn’t care whether what he says is the truth or not.  His goal is to get what he wants at any cost. With his tongue he will lie, cheat, gossip, misrepresent, provoke anger, curse, etc.
This is yet another reason we are commanded to guard our tongues.  In Proverbs 6:16-19, two of the seven things which are an abomination to God involve lying – he mentions a lying tongue (17) and a false witness who speaks lies (19).  In this list you also find a proud look, a heart that devises wicked plans and other things David speaks of in this psalm.

e.       He has abandoned wisdom (the wisdom of God that is) and he has quit doing good.
The Bible calls such fools – Prov. 12:15 says, “the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.”
He doesn’t consider the future consequences of his actions – living for the here and now only.
On the other hand, Christians are to act with wisdom and do good.

f.         He devises wicked plans, even in his home (his bed)
Here is one whose mind is continually on sin.  He dwells on how he can sin some more (not in those terms, but he looks to how keep doing what he is doing – even though it is evil). 
I think of the addict who after he recovers from his hangover or “high” starts to think about the next time and what he has to do to get there. 
This is truly a pitiful soul – BUT, sadly, most of us know someone like this.

g.        He   sets himself on a path that is not good – leading toward destruction.
This is the result of addiction in this life.  As a rule, the paths of worldliness, whatever they may be, never lead to real and lasting satisfaction.  The greedy man is never satisfied and he worries about his possessions, the alcoholic and drug addict always wants more and in greater quantities.  Even though his life is destroyed, he can’t quit.  Like the anti-smoking commercial that shows a man on oxygen, just skin and bones, but he has to have another cigarette.
But he is not alone – for the path that leads to destruction is broad – Matthew 7:13.

h.       He does not abhor evil -
Friends, THIS IS THE PROBLEM!  If we to overcome sin in our lives, we HAVE TO abhor it! In Romans 12:9 we are told the same thing, “Let love be without hypocrisy.  Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.”

BUT, on the other hand, consider -

II.            II.    The Goodness of God (5-9)
On numerous occasions, we have noted the character of God as David continually brings up His goodness throughout the Psalms.  In this list, the characteristics mentioned are those which make it possible for us to be forgiven and obtain a home in heaven. 
Are we far from the above list?  Let us never forget that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  Earlier in that text Paul notes, “there is none righteous, no not one.” (10).
Paul was, “formerly a blasphemer, persecutor, and an insolent man” (1 Timothy 1:13)
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Paul describes the state and conduct that some in Corinth USED to live like.  But not anymore.  Why? Because of God’s goodness and their willingness to be “washed…”
Perhaps one, maybe even here, who could have be described in the above verses, now has been forgiven.  If so it is because God is:

a.        He is merciful – a word used some 240 times in the Old Testament, mostly in the psalms, means favor (grace), loving-kindness, goodness, etc.  It is similar to the meaning of the word mercy in the New Testament which means “to have compassion upon.” It is because of God’s mercy that we can obtain forgiveness.   Note Psalm 136 which mentions that “his mercy endures forever” 26 times.
David says that His mercy is in the heavens – beyond (greater than) the comprehension of earth.

b.       He is faithful – He keeps His word and promises.  He can be counted upon and is reliable. 
We can take great consolation in this fact – cf. 1 Cor. 10:13, 1 Thess. 5:24
A faithfulness that reaches into the clouds (above this world).

c.        He is righteous – God is right and justified in doing what He does.  The evil often accuse God of being unfair – think of Satan as he lied to Eve in Gen. 3:4-5.
His righteousness is compared to great mountains – unmovable and far-reaching.

d.       His judgments are a great deep – contrary to what many think, (like the wicked above) God REALLY DOES know what is best.  After all, He created us.  He knows what we can and ought to be doing.  None could honestly deny that if ALL submitted to precepts of His word that this world would be a much better place.  In fact, it would be a paradise.
Romans 11:33, “Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out.”
NOTE: This fact ought to humble us when we consider what God gives us instead of what we deserve!  Remember what David said earlier in Psalm 8:4, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him?”

e.       He preserves both man and beast
God controls ALL things in this world.  In speaking about worry, Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, that God takes care of flowers and birds, and thus He knows how to take care of us as well.  But we MUST put our trust in Him (Matthew 6:25-33)
On another occasion dealing with our need to fear God and not man Jesus noted that even the cheap sparrow was in God’s thoughts noting that “not one of them falls to the ground apart from the Father’s will.” (Matthew 10:29-31).   The point, we are of more value than sparrows.
NEVER forget who is REALLY in control of this world – cf. 2 Peter 3:5-7.

f.         He is kind with love – His loving-kindness is precious.
God doesn’t just love us, He loves us with kindness.  Again, He is merciful and gracious to us.  He gives us good in this life and promises us even better in the next, if we obey Him.

g.        Men can trust Him and find satisfaction in Him (7-8)
Because of all God is and does, we KNOW we can trust Him and find true satisfaction (i.e. contentment) in Him.  Will we learn contentment?

h.       He is the fountain of life – the source of eternal life when this life is over, AND real life while here.  The kind of life that can withstand anything that is done to us, no matter how horrible it is.  A hope and attitude that no one can take away from you!
When the New Jerusalem was revealed to John in Revelation 21-22, we find in 22:1 that “a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal” proceeded from the throne of God.  Will we drink of that fountain? (Rev. 22:17)

i.         His light gives light to all
God is light – 1 John 1:5, James 1:17
Light is the opposite of darkness, as good is the opposite of evil.   God is the opposite of the man described in vs. 1-4 of our psalm.

III.                III.  David’s Prayer for the Righteous (10-12)

a.        David concludes this psalm with a prayer.  In summary, he asks God, “Don’t let me be influenced by the wickedness of the man described above, but let me influenced by You!”

b.       Don’t forget those who belong to you (as if He would).  Of course, God will remember His own.  He always has – 1 Peter 1:5 – we are kept by His power, 2 Timothy 2:19 – He knows those who are His.

c.        Preserve me from pride and the troubles of my enemy (and Yours)
As David often prays, He desires that he be delivered from the evil.  We ought to fear, more than anything, that the evils of men will influence us to the point that we abandon God.  That ought to provoke us to earnest and continued prayers to Him.

d.       Because that is where the enemy is (and I don’t want to be there).  What is the fate of the ungodly? Eternal condemnation. 2 Thess. 1:8-9 says that God will in flaming fire take vengeance on those who do not obey the gospel or know God.

David here presents us with two paths to follow in this life – the path of the wicked or the path where the blessing of God can be found.  Which path will you choose?