Psalms 36:2-4

Context

36:2 for he is too proud

to recognize and give up his sin.¹

36:3 The words he speaks are sinful and deceitful;

he does not care about doing what is wise and right.²

36:4 He plans ways to sin while he lies in bed;

he is committed to a sinful lifestyle;³

he does not reject what is evil.⁴

[36:2] ¹tn Heb “for it causes to be smooth to him in his eyes to find his sin to hate.” The meaning of the Hebrew text is unclear. Perhaps the point is this: His rebellious attitude makes him reject any notion that God will hold him accountable. His attitude also prevents him from recognizing and repudiating his sinful ways.

[36:3] ²tn Heb “he ceases to exhibit wisdom to do good.” The Hiphil forms are exhibitive, indicating the outward expression of an inner attitude.

[36:4] ³tn Heb “he takes a stand in a way [that is] not good.” The word “way” here refers metaphorically to behavior or life style.

[36:4] ⁴tn The three imperfect verbal forms in v. 4 highlight the characteristic behavior of the typical evildoer.