Psalm 36:4
ESV
He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.
NIV
Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.
NASB
He plans wickedness on his bed; He sets himself on a path that is not good; He does not reject evil.
CSB
Even on his bed he makes malicious plans. He sets himself on a path that is not good, and he does not reject evil.
NLT
They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their actions are never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil.
KJV
He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
NKJV
He devises wickedness on his bed; He sets himself in a way that is not good; He does not abhor evil.
What does Psalm 36:4 mean?
There are a few ways to interpret this reference to an evil person's lifestyle (Psalm 36:1–3). One is that the evil person loses sleep over their constant plotting of sin. Or they are so addicted to depravity they cannot rest until accomplishing some perverse goal (Proverbs 4:16). Such an approach is a sharp contrast to meditating on God's Word day and night (Psalm 1:2).Another meaning is that someone deeply entrenched in "transgressions" of God's will is drawn to evil even when they are resting. The prophet Micah warns about someone who schemes in this way, saying, "Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds!" (Micah 2:1). Righteous people with a clear conscience can sleep soundly (Psalm 3:5). In contrast, "'the wicked are like the tossing sea…There is no peace', says my God, 'for the wicked'" (Isaiah 57:20–21).
This verse also notes that those who doggedly reject God (Proverbs 29:1) are set in their evil ways. They choose a path that ignores the Lord and insist on it (Proverbs 5:1–6). This person refuses to reject evil (Proverbs 21:7). Turning from sin and accepting the Savior is the only way a wicked person's heart and conduct can change. Second Corinthians 5:17 proclaims: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Psalm 36:1–4 opens with an ugly but accurate picture of the immoral, evil person. Sin is lodged deep inside them, without respect for God or His will. Such a person lives as if there will never be consequences for their actions; as if no one will even know about their sin. David characterizes this depraved person as plotting sin, embracing evil, and ignoring godly wisdom.
David begins this psalm by reflecting on the deeply rooted sin which makes people rebel against God. This comes along with arrogance and an impulse to do evil all the time. In stark contrast, the Lord's character and conduct are flawless. His unfailing love is compared to the height of clouds and mountains and to the depth of the ocean. God's merciful love is praised. David concludes with a prayer that the Lord's unfailing love will continue to favor the upright in heart.
