Psalms 36:2

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

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

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

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

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

Context of Psalms 36:2

Psalm 36 opens with a stark description of the wicked man, whose transgression speaks directly to his heart. This psalm, often attributed to David, contrasts the profound depravity of the unrighteous with the boundless goodness and faithfulness of God. Verse 2 delves into the internal state of such a person, explaining why their transgression is so pervasive: it stems from deep-seated self-deception. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic contrast with God's character that dominates the latter half of the psalm, highlighting the chasm between human sinfulness and divine righteousness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Self-Deception and Pride: The core message of this verse is the dangerous nature of self-deception. The phrase "he flattereth himself in his own eyes" vividly portrays a person who has convinced himself that his actions are acceptable, or that he will escape consequences. This is a manifestation of pride, blinding him to the truth of his own sinfulness and the reality of God's judgment.
  • The Insidious Nature of Sin: Sin, particularly when unacknowledged, can become deeply ingrained. This verse illustrates how a person can live comfortably in their wrongdoing, completely unaware or willfully ignorant of its true nature.
  • Inevitable Exposure: The phrase "until his iniquity be found to be hateful" serves as a powerful warning. It implies that while self-flattery may last for a time, there will come a point when the true nature of one's sin—its ugliness and detestability—will be fully revealed, either to oneself, to others, or ultimately, before God. This aligns with the biblical principle that "your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "flattereth himself" is חָלַק (chalak), which means to be smooth, slippery, or to flatter. When used reflexively, as it is here, it emphasizes the act of deceiving oneself or being smooth with oneself. It paints a picture of someone who uses cunning arguments or rationalizations to justify their behavior to themselves, effectively smoothing over their conscience.

The word "iniquity" is עָוֹן (avon), which signifies perversity, guilt, or punishment for sin. It speaks not just of an act of wrongdoing, but of a crookedness or deviation from what is right and true. The term "hateful" comes from שָׂנֵא (sane), meaning to hate or be an enemy. When applied to iniquity, it underscores that sin, in its essence, is something truly detestable and abhorrent, especially in the eyes of a holy God.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a profound call to self-examination and humility. It warns against the spiritual danger of rationalizing our faults or ignoring the conviction of conscience. We are prone to see ourselves in a favorable light, but true wisdom involves allowing God's Word and the Holy Spirit to reveal our true condition, even if it's uncomfortable. It reminds us that while we may deceive ourselves for a time, the truth about our actions and motives will eventually be exposed. Therefore, it is vital to regularly seek God's truth, confess our sins, and embrace repentance, rather than allowing the deceitfulness of our own hearts to lead us astray.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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