Psalms 36:3
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
Original Language Analysis
דִּבְרֵי
The words
H1697
דִּבְרֵי
The words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
פִ֭יו
of his mouth
H6310
פִ֭יו
of his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
2 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
אָ֣וֶן
are iniquity
H205
אָ֣וֶן
are iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
3 of 7
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
חָדַ֖ל
he hath left off
H2308
חָדַ֖ל
he hath left off
Strong's:
H2308
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
Cross References
Psalms 55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.Psalms 10:7His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.Jeremiah 4:22For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
Historical Context
Israelite wisdom tradition (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) emphasized the inseparability of knowing truth and doing good. David here portrays someone who once walked wisely but deliberately chose folly, making their guilt inexcusable.
Questions for Reflection
- What truths have you once embraced but are now tempted to abandon?
- How does maintaining wise thinking protect you from moral compromise?
Analysis & Commentary
Speech reveals heart condition—'iniquity and deceit' characterize the wicked's words because his inner life is corrupt (Matthew 12:34). The phrase 'left off to be wise' indicates apostasy, a deliberate turning from known truth. This isn't ignorance but willful rejection of wisdom previously possessed. Ceasing to 'do good' follows ceasing to 'be wise,' demonstrating that right thinking precedes right acting; abandoning truth inevitably produces abandoning goodness.