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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 36:1-4

David, in the title of this psalm, is styled the servant of the Lord; why in this, and not in any other, except in Ps. 18:1 (title), no reason can be given; but so he was, not only as every good man is God's servant, but as a king, as a prophet, as one employed in serving the interests of God's kingdom among men more immediately and more eminently than any other in his day. He glories in it, Ps. 116:16. It is no disparagement, but an honour, to the greatest of men, to be the servants of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 36:2

For he flattereth himself in his own eyes ,.... There are many self-flatterers; some on account of their worldly estate, that they are out of the reach of God and men, and regard neither; and that as they have much goods laid up, they shall enjoy them many years, and so never think of dying, nor of another world: others on account of their eternal state, pleasing themselves with their own purity, goodness, and righteousness: some flatter themselves either that their sins are not sins, or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 36:3

The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit ,.... Not only sinful, but sin itself; his mouth is full of cursing and bitterness, of filthy and unchaste words, of corrupt communication, lying, deceit, and flattery; out of the abundance of the wickedness of his heart his mouth speaketh; and which shows the badness of it, and proves all that is said before of him; he hath left off to be wise, and to do good ; by which the psalmist seems to intend one that had been a professor of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 36:2

For he flattereth himself - He is ruled by the suggestion already mentioned; endeavours to persuade himself that he may safely follow the propensities of his own heart, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. He sins so boldly, that at last he becomes detestable. Some think the words should be thus understood: "He smootheth over in his own eyes with respect to the finding out of his iniquity, to hate it. That is, he sets such a false gloss in his own eyes upon his worst actions, that he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 36:3

The words of his mouth are iniquity - In the principle; and deceit calculated to pervert others, and lead them astray. He hath left off to be wise, and to do good - His heart is become foolish, and his actions wicked. He has cut off the connection between himself and all righteousness. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 36:2

Verse 2 2For he flattereth himself in his own eyes Here the Psalmist shows by their fruits or the marks of their character, that there is no fear of God among the wicked, seeing they take such pleasure in committing deeds of wickedness, that, although hateful in the sight of all other men, they still cherish the natural obstinacy of their hearts, and wilfully harden themselves in their evil course. First, he says that they nourish their vices by flatteries, (3) that they may not be dissatisfied... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 36:3

Verse 3 3.The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit. The two clauses of this verse may be understood as referring to the same thing, namely, that the wicked indulging in deceit and vanity, will not receive or admit the light of understanding. This, I apprehend, is the meaning of David. He reproves the wicked not merely for circumventing others by their wiles and stratagems, but especially because they are altogether destitute of uprightness and sincerity. We have already said that the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 36:1-4

God's revelation of man to himself; or, the transgressors heart turned inside out. It has been thought by some that this psalm was written about the time when Saul gave his daughter Michal to David with a treacherous design (see Walford, in loc. ); by others, that it is a general description of some of the wicked men—such as Saul, Absalom, Ahithophel, etc.—with whom David was brought into contact (see Fausset hereon). But there is no clue in the psalm itself to any such specific... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 36:1-12

The psalm divides itself into three strophes, corresponding to the division of the subject-matter. Strophe 1. ( Psalms 36:1-4 ) gives the portrait of the wicked man. Strophe 2. ( Psalms 36:5-9 ) paints the Divine goodness. Strophe 3. ( Psalms 36:10-12 ) contains the prayer and the expression of confidence. The title ascribes the psalm to David; and the critics generally acquiesce. Some of them point out special Davidical indications; but no one has ventured to assign it to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 36:1-12

We have here a terrible picture of, the wicked man. I. HIS HEART IS THE SEAT OF EVIL . It is there as an "oracle.' It is enthroned. It speaks with authority. It gives forth its decrees for obedience. The true is opposed by the false. Righteousness gives place to unrighteousness. All counsels of reason and compunctions of conscience are hushed by the cry, "No God!" ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3 , 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ). II. HIS LIFE IS MARKED BY ABANDONMENT TO ... read more

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