Psalms 36:2
For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
himself in his own eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
himself in his own eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 7
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
לִמְצֹ֖א
be found
H4672
לִמְצֹ֖א
be found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
Cross References
Deuteronomy 29:19And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:Psalms 49:18Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.Psalms 10:3For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature recognized the connection between self-deception and moral decline. The wicked's smooth speech to himself parallels the serpent's smooth deception in Eden, showing how lies precede and enable sin.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas might you be flattering yourself rather than honestly assessing your sin?
- How can accountability relationships help expose self-deception before consequences do?
Analysis & Commentary
Self-flattery (Hebrew 'chalaq,' to be smooth, slippery) describes the wicked smoothing over conscience's objections, rationalizing sin until conviction is silenced. 'Until his iniquity be found to be hateful' suggests eventual discovery and exposure—either by others or through consequences making sin's ugliness undeniable. This psychological insight reveals how sin requires ongoing self-deception; maintaining wickedness demands suppressing truth that would otherwise produce repentance.