Psalms 36:2

KJV

For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he flattereth {H2505} himself in his own eyes {H5869}, until his iniquity {H5771} be found {H4672}{H8800)} to be hateful {H8130}{H8800)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For, the way he sees it, crime makes his life easy that is, until his wrongs are discovered; then, he is hated.

Berean Standard Bible

For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin.

American Standard Version

For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, That his iniquity will not be found out and be hated.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 36:2 offers a profound insight into the self-deceptive nature of the wicked, revealing how they skillfully rationalize and justify their sinful actions, convincing themselves of their own righteousness or immunity from divine consequence. This internal flattery allows them to persist unchecked in their transgressions, blinding them to the true, detestable character and gravity of their iniquity, until a moment of inevitable exposure arrives, where their sin is unveiled in its full, abhorrent ugliness. The verse thus serves as a stark warning against unacknowledged sin and underscores the ultimate certainty of divine revelation and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 36:2 is a crucial component of the psalm's opening section (vv. 1-4), which provides a penetrating diagnosis of the wicked person's internal state and actions. This initial portrayal of human depravity serves as a dramatic foil to the psalm's latter half (vv. 5-9), which extols the boundless lovingkindness, faithfulness, and righteousness of God. Verse 1 introduces the "transgression of the wicked," which is personified as speaking "within his heart," suggesting an internal, guiding principle or a deep-seated inclination. Verse 2 then elaborates on the *mechanism* of this transgression, explaining that it is fueled by a profound self-deception. The "flattery" described here is the psychological process by which the wicked individual silences their conscience and justifies their actions, allowing them to remain comfortably in their sin until its true, "hateful" nature is inevitably exposed. This stark contrast between human sinfulness and divine perfection magnifies the glory of God's character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to David, Psalm 36 likely reflects the keen observations of a king and prophet regarding the insidious ways in which sin takes root and flourishes, even within a covenant community. The concept of self-deception was not unique to ancient Israel; wisdom traditions across the ancient Near East recognized the human tendency to rationalize wrongdoing. However, within the biblical framework, this self-flattery is understood as a profound deviation from the truth of God's moral law and His righteous character, an offense against a holy God. The idea of "iniquity" being "found to be hateful" resonates with the covenantal understanding of sin as an abomination that, though perhaps hidden from human eyes for a time, would ultimately be judged according to divine standards. This societal and spiritual context underscores the personal and communal dangers of unacknowledged sin, particularly in a society where covenant faithfulness was paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **insidious nature of self-deception and pride**, revealing how a person can become utterly convinced of their own righteousness or immunity from consequence, thereby perpetuating their sin. This aligns with warnings about [the deceitfulness of the human heart](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart") found elsewhere in Scripture. Secondly, it highlights the **pervasive and corrupting power of unacknowledged sin**, demonstrating how it can blind an individual to truth and righteousness, leading them further into moral darkness. Finally, the phrase "until his iniquity be found to be hateful" introduces the theme of **divine justice and inevitable exposure**, reminding us that while sin may be hidden for a time, its true, detestable character will ultimately be revealed, either through natural consequences, divine judgment, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This echoes the principle that [your sin will find you out](/numbers/32-23 "Numbers 32:23 - Your Sin Will Find You Out").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flattereth (Hebrew, _châlaq'_):** Derived from H2505, this verb primarily means "to be smooth" or "slippery," and figuratively, "to flatter" or "deceive." When used reflexively, as it is here ("flattereth himself"), it vividly portrays the act of self-deception. It suggests a person who skillfully rationalizes their own wrongdoing, smoothing over their conscience with cunning arguments or justifications. They are "smooth" with themselves, avoiding the harsh reality of their sin and effectively "separating self" from accountability by creating a false narrative.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, this term denotes more than just an isolated act of sin; it signifies a state of moral perversity, crookedness, or guilt. It speaks of a fundamental deviation from the straight path of God's righteousness, implying a deep-seated distortion of character. The use of _ʻâvôn_ here emphasizes that the issue is not merely isolated bad deeds, but a pervasive moral evil that has become an intrinsic part of the person's being, leading to fault and sin.
* **Hateful (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** From H8130, this word describes something that is utterly detestable, abhorrent, or repugnant. It means "to hate personally" or "to be an enemy." When applied to "iniquity," it underscores the profound revulsion that sin evokes, particularly in the eyes of a holy God. It signifies that the true nature of the wicked person's sin, once exposed, will be seen for what it truly is: something utterly loathsome and deserving of enmity, an "odious" reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he flattereth himself in his own eyes":** This clause describes the internal, psychological mechanism of the wicked person. They are not merely deceiving others, but primarily themselves. The phrase "in his own eyes" emphasizes a subjective, self-referential standard of judgment, where the individual has become the sole arbiter of their morality. They construct a false reality where their actions are justified, their motives pure, or their consequences negligible. This self-flattery is a deliberate or subconscious act of suppressing truth and silencing the conscience, allowing sin to fester unaddressed and preventing any self-correction or repentance.
* **"until his iniquity be found to be hateful":** This phrase introduces a temporal limit and an inevitable, divinely ordained outcome. The self-deception is not eternal; there will come a point when the true, ugly nature of the individual's sin ("his iniquity") will be revealed. "Found to be hateful" implies a revelation, either to the individual themselves (through conviction or consequence), to others (through public exposure), or ultimately, before God (in judgment). This exposure will unveil the inherent detestableness of their sin, stripping away the flattering veneer and revealing the abhorrent reality that was previously hidden by self-deception.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is subtly present, as the very act of self-flattery, intended to secure peace and justification for the wicked, ultimately leads to the public or divine exposure of one's detestable iniquity. The wicked man believes himself wise and secure, yet his self-deception is his undoing. The phrase "in his own eyes" functions as a powerful **idiom**, emphasizing a subjective, self-serving, and ultimately flawed perspective that distorts reality. Furthermore, the "until" clause acts as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at an inevitable future revelation or judgment where the hidden truth of sin will be brought to light. This creates a sense of impending doom for the unrepentant, highlighting the transient nature of their self-imposed delusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 36:2 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of human sin, particularly its self-deceptive quality. It reveals that sin is not merely external action but often stems from an internal corruption, a heart that has convinced itself of its own righteousness or immunity from divine judgment. This self-flattery is a dangerous form of spiritual blindness, preventing repentance and perpetuating transgression. The verse underscores God's ultimate sovereignty and justice, implying that while humans may hide their sin from themselves or others for a time, God's truth will eventually prevail, exposing the true, hateful character of all iniquity. This serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and a call to radical honesty before God, recognizing that His holiness demands truth in the inward parts.

* [Numbers 32:23](/numbers/32-23 "Numbers 32:23 - Your Sin Will Find You Out")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")
* [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - If We Say We Have No Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a piercing mirror, inviting us to a profound and often uncomfortable self-examination. It warns against the universal human tendency to rationalize our faults, minimize our sins, or simply ignore the quiet whispers of conscience. We are prone to see ourselves in the most favorable light, to construct narratives that justify our actions, and to believe that our hidden transgressions will remain unseen. However, true spiritual health and wisdom involve allowing God's Word and the Holy Spirit to penetrate our self-deceptions, revealing our true condition, no matter how uncomfortable that revelation may be. The "until" clause is a powerful reminder that while we may deceive ourselves for a time, the truth about our actions, motives, and the true nature of our sin will eventually be exposed, either by divine conviction, natural consequence, or ultimately, before the judgment seat of Christ. Therefore, it is vital to cultivate a habit of regular, honest self-assessment, confession, and repentance, rather than allowing the deceitfulness of our own hearts to lead us further astray from God's truth and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "flattering myself in my own eyes," rationalizing behaviors or attitudes that are contrary to God's Word?**
* **What specific "iniquities" or character flaws might I be downplaying or ignoring, hoping they will remain unseen or unaddressed?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater openness to God's truth about myself, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my sin is confessed and repented of, rather than waiting for it to be "found to be hateful" through exposure or judgment?**

### FAQ
**What does "flattereth himself in his own eyes" truly mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: Practically, "flattereth himself in his own eyes" describes a state of profound self-deception where an individual convinces themselves that their actions are acceptable, their motives pure, or that they are immune to consequences, despite clear evidence to the contrary. This can manifest as rationalizing sinful behavior ("everyone does it," "it's not that bad," "I deserve this"), minimizing the harm caused by one's actions, believing one is above accountability, or ignoring the conviction of conscience. It's a subjective reality constructed by the individual, where they are both the flatterer and the flattered, effectively blinding themselves to their own moral failings. This internal dialogue allows them to persist in sin without experiencing guilt or shame, as seen in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart"), which speaks of the heart being "deceitful above all things, and desperately sick."

**Does "until his iniquity be found to be hateful" imply a specific judgment or event?**

Answer: The phrase "until his iniquity be found to be hateful" points to an inevitable revelation or exposure of the true, detestable nature of the wicked person's sin. While it doesn't necessarily imply one single, specific event, it certainly encompasses the idea of divine judgment. This exposure can occur in various ways: it might be through the natural, painful consequences that their sin brings upon them (e.g., ruined relationships, loss of reputation), through the conviction of the Holy Spirit leading to repentance, through public revelation, or ultimately, at the final judgment before God. The psalmist's point is that the self-deception cannot last indefinitely; God's truth and justice will ultimately prevail, and what was hidden will be revealed as abhorrent, just as [Ecclesiastes 12:14](/ecclesiastes/12-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:14 - God Will Bring Every Deed Into Judgment") states that God "will bring every deed into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 36:2, with its stark portrayal of self-deception and the inevitable exposure of sin's hatefulness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The wicked flatter themselves, but Christ, the [Truth incarnate](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), came to expose the darkness of sin and the deceit of the human heart (cf. [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light Has Come Into the World")). Unlike the wicked who flatter themselves, Jesus never sought His own glory or justified Himself; instead, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Our iniquity, which is inherently "hateful" in the eyes of a holy God ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short")), was fully laid upon Christ, who became sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The "until" clause, pointing to sin's inevitable revelation, is met by the cross, where the full hatefulness of sin was publicly displayed and decisively dealt with. Through Christ's sacrifice, our "hateful" iniquity is not merely exposed but atoned for, allowing us to be reconciled to God and walk in the light, free from self-deception and the condemnation of our past ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the Light")). The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Work of the Holy Spirit")), ensuring that the truth about our sin is revealed not for condemnation, but for repentance and salvation through faith in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 29:19

And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:

Psalms 10:3

For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, [whom] the LORD abhorreth.

Psalms 49:18

Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and [men] will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.

Romans 7:9

For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

Jeremiah 2:34

Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these.

Jeremiah 2:35

Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.

Jeremiah 17:9

The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?