> [[psalm-35|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-37|Next →]] --- # Psalm 36 ## Human Wickedness and Divine Providence 1 For the leader. Of David, the servant of the LORD. ^psalm-36-1 ### I 2 Sin directs the heart of the wicked man; ^psalm-36-2 his eyes are closed to the fear of God. 3 For he lives with the delusion: ^psalm-36-3 his guilt will not be known and hated. 4 Empty and false are the words of his mouth; ^psalm-36-4 he has ceased to be wise and do good. 5 On his bed he hatches plots; ^psalm-36-5 he sets out on a wicked way; he does not reject evil. ### II 6 LORD, your mercy reaches to heaven; ^psalm-36-6 your fidelity, to the clouds. 7 Your justice is like the highest mountains; ^psalm-36-7 your judgments, like the mighty deep; human being and beast you sustain, LORD. 8 How precious is your mercy, O God! ^psalm-36-8 The children of Adam take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 9 They feast on the rich food of your house; ^psalm-36-9 from your delightful stream you give them drink. 10 For with you is the fountain of life, ^psalm-36-10 and in your light we see light. 11 Show mercy on those who know you, ^psalm-36-11 your just defense to the upright of heart. 12 Do not let the foot of the proud overtake me, ^psalm-36-12 nor the hand of the wicked disturb me. 13 There make the evildoers fall; ^psalm-36-13 thrust them down, unable to rise. \* (Psalm 36) A Psalm with elements of wisdom ([Ps 36:2] – [5]), the hymn ([Ps 36:6] – [10]), and the lament ([Ps 36:11] – [13]). The rule of sin over the wicked ([Ps 36:2] – [5]) is contrasted with the rule of divine love and mercy over God’s friends ([Ps 36:6] – [10]). The Psalm ends with a prayer that God’s guidance never cease ([Ps 36:11] – [12]). \* (36:3) Hated: punished by God. \* (36:6] – [7) God actively controls the entire world. \* (36:8) The shadow of your wings: metaphor for divine protection. It probably refers to the winged cherubim in the holy of holies in the Temple, cf. [1 Kgs 6:23] – [28], [32]; [2 Chr 3:10] – [13]; ([[ezekiel-01|Ez 1]]:4] – [9]. a. (36:2) ([[romans-03|Rom 3]]:18]. b. (36:5) [Mi 2:1]. c. (36:6) [Ps 57:11]; [71:19]. d. (36:8) ([[psalm-17|Ps 17]]:8]. e. (36:9) [Gn 2:8], [10]. f. (36:10) [Is 55:1]; ([[john-04|Jn 4]]:14]. g. (36:10) [Ps 80:4], [8], [20]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-35|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-37|Next →]]