He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.

PSALMS 36:4KJV
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Psalms 36:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 36:4 mean?

Psalms 36:4 describes a person who spends time planning harmful actions, even while lying in bed, and who deliberately chooses a path that is not good, showing no dislike for evil. The verse paints a picture of someone whose thoughts and intentions are set on wrongdoing, without any sense of guilt or moral restraint.

This verse is part of a psalm attributed to David, where he reflects on the character of the wicked. David is describing how deeply rooted evil can become in a person's life, to the point that plotting harm becomes a habit, even in private moments. The verse emphasizes the intentional nature of these choices and the absence of any inner resistance to doing wrong.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 36:4

  • "Deviseth" (חָשַׁב, chashav) means to plan or plot, often with careful thought. Here, it highlights that the wrongdoing is not accidental but the result of deliberate scheming.
  • "Mischief" (אָוֶן, aven) refers to trouble, wickedness, or harm. This word suggests not just general bad behavior, but actions that bring real harm or injustice.
  • "Abhorreth" (מָאַס, maas) means to reject or despise. The verse notes that the person does not reject evil, showing a total lack of moral aversion to wrongdoing.
  • "Way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek) means a path or manner of life. Choosing a way "that is not good" points to a settled direction in life, not just a single bad act.

Why Psalms 36:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that evil actions often begin with private thoughts and intentions, not just public deeds.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility, showing that the person chooses and persists in wrongdoing rather than stumbling into it.
  • By describing the absence of any hatred for evil, the verse highlights a heart condition where wrongdoing is not just tolerated but accepted, which sets the stage for the rest of the psalm's contrast between the wicked and God's steadfast love.

Where else these words appear

“bed” Hebrew H4904 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 49:4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.
  • Judges 21:11 And this is the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.
  • Job 33:19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:

“setteth” Hebrew H3320 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 2:4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
  • Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:6 And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

“abhorreth” Hebrew H3988 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 26:15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:
  • Job 30:1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
  • Isaiah 41:9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

“mischief” Hebrew H205 · used in 78 verses

  • Numbers 23:21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.
  • Psalms 53:4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.
  • Proverbs 21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.