Psalms 36:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 36:2 mean?

Psalms 36:2 describes a person who deceives himself, convincing himself that he is not doing wrong, until his wrongdoing becomes so obvious and detestable that it can no longer be ignored. The verse highlights how self-flattery blinds someone to the true nature of their actions.

In this psalm, David is reflecting on the mindset of the wicked. He is speaking about people who are so caught up in their own pride and self-approval that they cannot see their own faults. The verse is part of a larger passage where David contrasts the ways of the wicked with the steadfast love of God, showing how self-deception leads people further away from truth and goodness.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 36:2

• "flattereth" (יְחַלֵּק, yĕḥallēq): This word often means to smooth over or divide, but here it carries the sense of someone smoothing things over in their own mind—essentially deceiving or flattering themselves.
• "iniquity" (עָוֹן, ʿāwōn): This word refers to guilt or wrongdoing, not just a mistake but a deep moral failing. The verse points out that the person is blind to the seriousness of their own guilt.
• "hateful" (שָׂנֵא, śānēʾ): This word means to be detested or hated. The verse suggests that the person’s wrongdoing eventually becomes so clear and repulsive that even they—or others—cannot ignore it.

Why Psalms 36:2 matters

• Psalms 36:2 warns about the danger of self-deception, showing how easily people can justify their own actions until the truth becomes undeniable.
• The verse helps explain why some people persist in harmful behavior—they are blinded by their own self-flattery and cannot see the real consequences of their actions.
• This verse sets up a contrast in the psalm between human failings and God’s faithful character, helping readers understand the need for honest self-examination.