Psalms 36:3

KJV

The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good.

KJV (with Strong's)

The words {H1697} of his mouth {H6310} are iniquity {H205} and deceit {H4820}: he hath left off {H2308} to be wise {H7919}{H8687)}, and to do good {H3190}{H8687)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His words are wrong and deceitful; he has stopped being wise and doing good.

Berean Standard Bible

The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.

American Standard Version

The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: He hath ceased to be wise and to do good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 36:3 provides a stark and penetrating indictment of the wicked, revealing the profound corruption of their speech and their deliberate, willful abandonment of wisdom and the pursuit of good. This verse functions as a foundational element in the psalm's opening lament, establishing the depth of human depravity before masterfully pivoting to extol the boundless, steadfast love and righteousness of God, thereby highlighting the profound contrast between humanity's fallen state and God's perfect character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 36:3 is strategically placed within the initial section of Psalm 36 (verses 1-4), which offers a dark and penetrating description of the ungodly person's character and actions. This opening serves as a stark and necessary foil to the psalm's subsequent and dominant theme: the incomparable greatness, goodness, and steadfast love of God (verses 5-9). The psalmist, David, masterfully contrasts the pervasive evil rooted in the "transgression of the wicked" ([Psalm 36:1](/psalms/36-1 "Psalm 36:1 - The Wicked Man's Transgression")) with the divine attributes that extend "to the heavens" and "to the clouds" ([Psalm 36:5](/psalms/36-5 "Psalm 36:5 - God's Steadfast Love")). Understanding the depth of human sinfulness, as presented in these initial verses, is crucial for appreciating the profound wonder of God's grace and mercy that follows, ultimately leading to a plea for divine protection and blessing in verses 10-12. This deliberate structural choice emphasizes that God's goodness is most gloriously revealed against the backdrop of pervasive human sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite thought, wisdom (חָכְמָה, _chokhmah_) was not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical skill for living righteously and successfully, rooted fundamentally in the fear of the Lord, as articulated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge"). Speech was considered an incredibly powerful indicator of one's inner character and a primary means by which one could either build up or tear down society, as highlighted in passages like [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Power of the Tongue"). Deceitful and iniquitous speech was not merely a social faux pas but a direct affront to the covenant community and to God, who is truth itself. The concept of "doing good" (עָשָׂה טוֹב, _'asah tov_) encompassed a broad range of ethical behavior, justice, and acts of lovingkindness (חֶסֶד, _hesed_) within the community. The abandonment of such principles represented a profound moral and spiritual apostasy, a turning away from the very foundations of a divinely ordered life and society.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 36:3 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **human depravity**, illustrating how sin corrupts not only actions but also the very essence of communication and moral inclination. The wicked person's speech is not merely flawed or occasionally untruthful, but inherently "iniquity and deceit," reflecting a deep internal moral decay. Secondly, it highlights the **willful nature of sin**, emphasizing that the abandonment of wisdom and goodness is not an accidental oversight but a deliberate choice—"he hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good." This points to a hardened heart that actively rejects righteousness, a theme powerfully echoed in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart"), which describes the deceitfulness of the human heart. Thirdly, the verse implicitly but powerfully sets the stage for the **contrast between human sin and divine righteousness**, a pervasive theme throughout the Psalms. By painting such a dark picture of human wickedness, the psalmist magnifies the glory of God's steadfast love and justice, which are presented as the only true antidote to such pervasive evil, as seen in the glorious description of God's character in [Psalm 36:5-7](/psalms/36-5-7 "Psalm 36:5-7 - God's Steadfast Love and Righteousness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** This word (אָוֶן, H205) stems from a root meaning to pant, implying exertion, often in vain, leading to nothingness or trouble. It carries a strong connotation of wickedness, mischief, or vanity, often associated with moral evil and idolatry. It suggests active malevolence and harmfulness, not merely a mistake but a deliberate perversion or distortion of what is right, leading to destructive outcomes.
* **deceit (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** From the root רָמָה (_ramah_), meaning to deceive, _mirmâh_ (מִרְמָה, H4820) denotes cunning, fraud, treachery, or trickery. It implies a manipulative and treacherous nature, where words are used not for truth or edification but to mislead, ensnare, or exploit others. It speaks to the insidious quality of the wicked person's communication, highlighting their intent to defraud or betray.
* **left off (Hebrew, _châdal'_):** The verb _châdal_ (חָדַל, H2308) is a primitive root meaning to desist, cease, forsake, or refrain. Its use here is crucial as it implies a deliberate cessation or abandonment of a former practice or potential for good. This is not ignorance or inability, but a conscious, active choice to turn away from wisdom and the pursuit of righteousness, underscoring the willful and hardened nature of the wicked person's moral decline.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and deceit":** This opening clause immediately identifies the primary manifestation of the wicked person's inner corruption: their speech. Their words are not merely flawed or occasionally untruthful; they are inherently characterized by "iniquity" (harmful, morally perverse action) and "deceit" (cunning, treachery, and misdirection). This indicates that their communication is fundamentally destructive, designed to mislead, manipulate, or cause harm, reflecting a heart devoid of truth and integrity. The very output of their being is tainted.
* **"he hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good":** This second clause reveals the underlying cause and progression of the wicked person's state. The phrase "left off" (from _châdal_) signifies a deliberate and active cessation. This individual has consciously abandoned the pursuit of wisdom—not merely intellectual knowledge, but practical, godly wisdom that leads to righteous living. Furthermore, they have ceased to "do good," implying a willful turning away from ethical behavior, acts of kindness, and adherence to moral rectitude. This is a profound rejection of the path of righteousness, indicating a hardened heart that no longer values or seeks what is right or beneficial.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 36:3 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the depth of the wicked person's depravity. **Metonymy** is evident in "the words of his mouth," where the words themselves stand in for the character and intent of the speaker, implying that their very essence and output are corrupt. The phrase "are iniquity and deceit" uses a strong form of **identification** or **personification**, suggesting that these abstract evils embody the very nature of their speech, rather than merely being qualities of it. This makes the evil intrinsic to their communication. There is also a clear **contrast** implicitly established with the expected behavior of a righteous person, whose words would be truth and whose actions would be good. The phrase "he hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good" highlights a deliberate **rejection** or **apostasy**, emphasizing the active choice to abandon a virtuous path, rather than a passive falling away. This deliberate choice underscores the moral culpability and hardened nature of the wicked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 36:3 profoundly articulates the biblical understanding of human depravity, not as mere imperfection, but as a deep-seated corruption that manifests in both speech and action, stemming from a willful turning away from God's wisdom and goodness. This verse underscores the pervasive nature of sin, which infiltrates the very means by which humans communicate and interact, rendering their words instruments of harm and deception. Theologically, it sets the stage for the absolute necessity of divine intervention and grace, as humanity, left to its own devices, actively chooses a path of moral decline. It highlights the stark contrast between the fallen human condition and the perfect righteousness and truth of God, emphasizing that true wisdom and goodness originate from Him alone and are unattainable through human effort apart from His transforming power.

* [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10-18 "Romans 3:10-18 - No One Is Righteous")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")
* [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 36:3 serves as a potent mirror, calling us to rigorous self-examination and discernment regarding the nature of our own hearts, words, and actions. It challenges us to confront the subtle ways in which "iniquity and deceit" might manifest in our communication, whether through gossip, manipulation, flattery, or simply a lack of candor and truthfulness. The verse also serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency: the wicked person "hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good," indicating a deliberate and dangerous cessation of moral and spiritual pursuit. This reminds us that spiritual growth is not passive; it requires active engagement with God's Word, diligent pursuit of wisdom, and intentional practice of good deeds, driven by a heart transformed by grace. We must continually ask ourselves if we are actively cultivating wisdom and goodness, or if we are, perhaps unknowingly or intentionally, drifting away from them. This verse also equips us with discernment, helping us to recognize the signs of a heart that has turned away from God's path, both in ourselves and in our interactions with others, fostering a greater reliance on God's truth and grace as our only hope for true righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "iniquity and deceit" subtly or overtly manifest in my own words or communication patterns?**
* **Am I actively pursuing wisdom and "doing good" in all areas of my life, or have I become complacent or even "left off" these vital pursuits?**
* **How does understanding the depth of depravity described in this verse deepen my appreciation for God's boundless grace and the absolute necessity of His transforming power in my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to ensure my words and actions more consistently align with God's wisdom and goodness, reflecting His character rather than human depravity?**

### FAQ
**Does "he hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good" imply that the wicked person was once wise or good?**

Answer: Not necessarily. The phrase "left off" (Hebrew _châdal_, H2308) means to cease from, desist, or abandon. While it *can* imply a cessation of something previously done, it can also refer to ceasing from a potential or a natural inclination that has been suppressed or rejected. In this context, it emphasizes a deliberate and active refusal to pursue wisdom and good, rather than a mere passive failure. It suggests a hardening of the heart that actively turns away from the path of righteousness, regardless of whether they ever truly walked it. It's a conscious choice to not engage with wisdom or to perform good deeds, indicating a profound moral decline and a settled pattern of behavior, as seen in the broader context of the wicked person's character described in [Psalm 36:1-4](/psalms/36-1-4 "Psalm 36:1-4 - The Wicked Man's Transgression and God's Steadfast Love").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 36:3, with its stark depiction of human depravity—where speech is "iniquity and deceit" and the heart has "left off to be wise, [and] to do good"—finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Where humanity's words are tainted by sin, Jesus is the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), whose mouth spoke only truth, grace, and life. He never uttered "iniquity and deceit"; rather, His words were consistently pure, healing, and perfectly revelatory of the Father's will, as He Himself declared, "The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works" ([John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - Jesus in the Father")). Where fallen humanity chooses to abandon wisdom and good, Christ perfectly embodied both. He is the [wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") personified, living a life of perfect obedience and constantly "doing good" ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Went About Doing Good") testifies to His benevolent ministry). The wicked turn away from righteousness, but Jesus perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, not for Himself, but as a substitutionary act for us ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - To Fulfill All Righteousness")). His sacrifice on the cross addresses the very "iniquity and deceit" that characterize fallen humanity, offering forgiveness and the transformative power to enable believers to "put off the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New")). Thus, Christ is not only the perfect contrast to the wicked described in this verse but also the sole means by which humanity can be redeemed from such a state and be empowered to speak truth and genuinely do good.

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

Psalms 55:21

[The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

Psalms 10:7

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity.

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

1 Samuel 18:21

And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain.

Psalms 5:9

For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part [is] very wickedness; their throat [is] an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

Psalms 140:3

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison [is] under their lips. Selah.

1 Samuel 13:13

And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.