What does Psalm 36:1 mean?

David portrays sin as deeply rooted in the human heart (Matthew 15:18–19). Jeremiah 17:9 reinforces this truth by stating: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" The deception of sin is only implied in this verse but clarified in the following statements (Psalm 36:2–4). The allure of sin deceives the wicked person. It tells him there is no reason to respect or obey God (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 10:11). Temptation persuades a person that crossing God's boundaries carries no consequences. It tells him he will not be punished for disobedience.

The Devil deceived Eve into doubting the consequence which God promised for disobedience. "You shall not surely die," he told her. He added: "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:4–5). Sin is so deceptive that it denies God's truth and shows itself to be desirable (James 1:13–18).

The word "transgression" here comes from the Hebrew pesha', which implies a deliberate violation. A "transgression" is literally a "going beyond a line." The concept is also used in reference to things like property; a related word in English is "trespass." The original word suggests something purposeful or knowing; this is not a sincere mistake, but rather a conscious choice to ignore God's will.