In this psalm, the hideousness of evil is contrasted with the gloriousness of God, and then it concludes with the triumph of love. The wickedness of men and the lovingkindness of God are as far apart as light and darkness. The light of God’s great goodness is so bright and far-reaching that no comparison can be made – there is only contrast. In the inner life of those without fear of God, there is no restraint to keep them from sinning. When there is no acknowledgment of the authority of the Lord, there “is no fear of God before their eyes.” Psalm 14 and Romans 3 describe the people David is writing about in this psalm. Transgression takes full authority over those who no longer have any fear of God.
When evil is carried out in life without restraint, that is ultimately considered a normal life. Such people keep doing what they want and are confident that nothing will happen to them. They are sure that there will be no serious punishment for wicked actions that become acceptable to most people. They use deceitful words and consider that to be just joking. Curse words and dirty language are not a problem, but just a habit. They scorn that which is good and respectable and consider those who maintain integrity and honor intolerant and dangerous people because they do not subscribe to that which the majority of society accepts. People who have no fear of God often plan to do what is wrong and are glad to do it. Iniquity involves depravity, deceit, treachery, and guile in those who have cast off moral restraints and the standards of life to live for sin and self.
In contrast to all this darkness, God is just but refrains from punishing sin immediately, or there would be no one on earth. That awareness of punishment for sin that will come, though the mercy of God delays it, keeps those who fear God from practicing sin. We greatly appreciate the love of the Lord and His mercy, but we should never forget that His holy justice will be done. The Lord will triumph over all wickedness. He is just, righteous, and faithful. His love is limitless. His wisdom and righteousness never fail. The eternal life He has and gives to those who accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Savior is experienced now and will be forever, despite what the ungodly do or say in opposition.
God’s righteousness is dependable, unmovable, and purposeful. He always does what is right. So, sin must be punished. That is consistent with His holy character. How it is dealt with is unchanging – death for sin. The love of God, in contrast to the wickedness of men, reaches the heavens. His faithfulness to His people has no limit. Everything about our Lord is infinite. His thoughts, promises, words, and works are all good, compassionate, and without failure. His undeserved love for us led the Father to give His spotless, perfect Son as the only Substitute for our sins when He died on our behalf on the cross. “He was made sin for us; He who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”
What a contrast between God’s love and faithfulness, His righteousness and justice, His benevolence and care, His provision and protection – and the insight we get into the character of the wicked. They flatter themselves. Their speech is with wicked words. They are deceitful, unwise, and profane. They choose not to do good and plot ways to do evil. God maintains His righteous character and, at the same time, demonstrates His love to us. What a wonder that is! What wisdom! What grace! What steadfast love that is eternal, infinite, unchanging, causeless, and undeserved! His love is sovereign love extended to “all men everywhere.”
In the “shadow of His wings” is perfect safety and full provision to meet our needs. The “abundance of God’s house,” His provisions from our Gracious Father; the fullness of the “river of delight,” His limitless grace; “the fountain of life,” the cleansing water of the Holy Spirit and the word of God, are ours to experience and enjoy. Thirst is quenched, and eternal life is experienced by those who appreciate and accept the blessings of God’s love to us. The life He has given us is the life and character of God that is to be copied into His children. He gives us the example to follow, the protection we need, the fullness of His love, and the abundance of His grace.
The perfections of the Lord filled the thoughts and emotions of the psalmist. God is the Source of life and light. There is no way to measure His lovingkindness. In His faithfulness, He protects His own. The “foot of pride” the wicked puts on the neck of the righteous to force them to submit to their wicked demands, and the hand, the clenched fist of human strength to make other people obey their evil will, is no match to the divine protection God gives. At the end of this psalm, David returns to his present and personal need for divine protection from the plans of the wicked, and by faith, he sees them “cast down” and unable to rise again. He knows those who do evil will fail and die. The treasure of God’s lovingkindness and mercy never fades, nor does it fail. Fellowship with the Lord and His people is precious and pleasurable – and lasts eternally. Of this, the psalmist is confident – and so are we.
PSALM 36. GOD IS GREATER THAN THE GREAT SIN OF MEN.