Psalm 36 4

Psalm 36:4 kjv

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.

Psalm 36:4 nkjv

He devises wickedness on his bed; He sets himself in a way that is not good; He does not abhor evil.

Psalm 36:4 niv

Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.

Psalm 36:4 esv

He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.

Psalm 36:4 nlt

They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots.
Their actions are never good.
They make no attempt to turn from evil.

Psalm 36 verses

Psalm 36 4 Meaning

Psalm 36:4 profoundly describes the nature of the wicked person, highlighting the depth and intentionality of their transgression. It portrays their evil as not accidental but calculated, stemming from their inner being, chosen as their life's path, and utterly lacking any moral aversion to sin. It reveals a settled disposition towards wrongdoing, where evil is embraced rather than repelled.

Psalm 36 4 Context

Psalm 36 presents a stark contrast between the pervasive wickedness of humanity and the glorious, abundant lovingkindness of God. Verses 1-4 detail the characteristics of the unregenerate person. Verse 4 extends this description, moving from outward speech and flattery (v. 2-3) to the internal workings and settled intention of the wicked. It emphasizes the deliberate nature of their sin, occurring in private thought and manifested in their chosen life-course, devoid of any genuine moral opposition to evil. The psalm then shifts dramatically in verses 5-9 to extoll God's character, setting Him as the antithesis to the depicted wickedness. The psalm concludes (v. 10-12) with a prayer for deliverance for the righteous from the very type of wicked individuals described in the opening verses.

Psalm 36 4 Word analysis

• He devises mischief: This phrase (chasav aven in Hebrew) points to active, deliberate planning. Chasav means "to think, to plan, to purpose, to devise," indicating intellectual engagement in wrongdoing. Aven signifies "wickedness, iniquity, trouble, vanity," implying harm or wrongdoing that is not accidental but calculated and brings sorrow. It emphasizes an internal, cognitive act of formulating wrongdoing.
• upon his bed: (al mishkavo). The "bed" symbolizes a place of solitude, quiet reflection, and privacy. The wickedness described here is not a spontaneous reaction or a sin of passion, but something premeditated and cultivated in the stillness of one's mind, perhaps where one should be contemplating good or seeking rest. It reveals a deep-seated depravity where even the most private moments are given over to plotting evil. This contrasts sharply with righteous individuals who might reflect on God's law on their bed (Psa 63:6, Psa 119:62).
• He sets himself: (yatztzig) This verb denotes a firm placement, establishment, or determination. It signifies a deliberate and conscious decision to embark on a specific course. It's not passive wandering, but an active, willful commitment to a particular way of living. This highlights the intentionality and self-will of the wicked person.
• in a way that is not good: (b'derekh lo-tov). Derekh is "way" or "path," referring to one's course of life, behavior, or conduct. The designation "not good" (lo-tov) is a direct contradiction to what is divinely pleasing or morally righteous. It implies a conscious rejection of God's revealed standards of goodness and an embrace of that which opposes Him. This is the opposite of the "good way" often mentioned in Scripture as God's path (Jer 6:16).
• He does not abhor evil: (lo yiqreh ra). This is perhaps the most profound part of the verse. Yiqreh (from qarah) means "to loathe, to despise, to detest, to scorn." Ra refers to "evil" or "wickedness." The negation "does not abhor" indicates a fundamental lack of revulsion to moral corruption. It is not merely a willingness to do evil, but an absence of an inner, moral recoil from it. This shows a deep-seated spiritual sickness, an unregenerate heart that has lost its sensitivity to the holiness of God and the nature of sin, even accepting or perhaps delighting in wickedness. This contrasts sharply with God and those who truly love Him (Prov 8:13, Heb 1:9).

Psalm 36 4 Bonus section

The progression from "devises" (planning), to "sets himself" (deliberate choice and commitment), to "does not abhor" (moral indifference/acceptance) outlines the anatomy of spiritual rebellion and demonstrates its intentional nature. The "bed" imagery emphasizes that the wickedness is internal and reflective, not merely impulsive. This reveals the "futility of their thinking" and the "darkened understanding" mentioned elsewhere in Scripture (Eph 4:17-18). The lack of abhorrence of evil is a stark spiritual signpost, indicative of a heart that is not merely weak, but hardened.

Psalm 36 4 Commentary

Psalm 36:4 paints a grim portrait of unregenerate human nature, describing sin as a deeply entrenched condition, not a mere slip. The progression is significant: evil is conceived in private contemplation ("devises mischief upon his bed"), then actively chosen as a life's course ("sets himself in a way that is not good"), and finally, there's no inherent revulsion or repentance from it ("he does not abhor evil"). This highlights the deliberateness and pervasive nature of sin within the human heart apart from divine grace. It reveals a settled hostility toward God's goodness, where evil is not a mistake, but a cherished disposition. It shows the danger of unchecked internal thoughts leading to willful choices, culminating in a conscience that is desensitized to wickedness. Practically, this verse warns believers about the seductive power of private sinful thoughts and underscores the necessity of having a heart that truly despises evil and chooses God's good way in all things.