He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the wicked don't just do evil, they actively plot it in their private moments, showing a deep-seated intentionality. It emphasizes that their commitment to evil is so complete they don't even recoil from it, not out of ignorance, but a deliberate hardening of their hearts.
He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Psalm begins with a stark, almost chilling, description of the inner workings of a wicked person who is completely devoid of God's fear. The psalmist observes how this individual not only thinks about evil but actively plans it, even in the quiet of the night, and becomes resolutely set on a path of wickedness, showing no disgust for wrongdoing. This detailed portrayal of calculated sin sets the stage for the dramatic contrast that follows, where the psalmist turns to praise God's boundless love and faithfulness as the ultimate refuge.
When the world sleeps, some are wide awake, but not for prayer or rest. What are they planning?
The verse highlights a disturbing reality: evil isn't always a spur-of-the-moment decision. For the wicked, it's a deliberate, private pursuit.
The Bed as a Workshop for Wickedness
'He devises mischief upon his bed.' This isn't just about sleepless nights; it points to a mind consumed by evil, even in moments of supposed rest and quiet.
This private plotting reveals a deep-seated corruption, where the heart is fully engaged in formulating wrongdoing.
It's one thing to stray; it's another to set your course on a destructive path. What does this verse say about commitment to sin?
Ask a follow-up
The psalmist doesn't just describe a person who occasionally stumbles. He paints a picture of someone who has made a firm decision about their direction in life.
Setting the Course for Wrongdoing
'He sets himself in a way that is not good.' This phrase speaks of deliberate choice and firm resolve.
This is a character fully committed to a life characterized by what is morally unacceptable, devoid of any desire for what is right.
What's the most dangerous sign of a hardened heart? It might be what's missing.
The final phrase of the verse, 'he does not reject evil,' is a chilling descriptor. It points to a profound inner state where wrongdoings no longer evoke disgust or resistance.
What 'Not Rejecting' Means
This lack of rejection is a powerful indicator that the fear of God has been completely extinguished from their heart. There's no moral compass to steer them away from destructive actions. It's a state of profound spiritual apathy or even active complicity with wickedness.
Understand the original words
ra' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A state of moral corruption or harmful behavior. Biblically, it is the antithesis of the righteous life that God intends for His people, characterizing the ways of those who ignore Him.
This passage describes how the wicked lie awake at night, not to rest, but to plan and perpetrate evil, mirroring the Psalmist's description of devising mischief on their bed.
Jeremiah 17:1This verse highlights the ingrained nature of sin among the wicked, where their transgressions are written on their hearts, explaining the deep-seated aversion to good and embrace of evil described in Psalm 36.
Romans 1:29-32Paul lists many wicked behaviors, including being inventors of evil things and lovers of evil, which directly parallels the Psalmist's depiction of devising iniquity and not abhorring evil.
2 Peter 2:14This verse speaks of the unrepentant heart that is 'trained in greed,' and unable to cease from sin, reflecting the deliberate choice and settled path of wickedness mentioned in Psalm 36.
calvinPsalms 36:1-4: "<A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD.>> The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes."
- Ungodliness saith to the wicked in the midst of my heart, There is no fear of God before his eyes. 2. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. [1] 3. The words of his mouth are iniquity [2] and deceit; he hath left off to understand that he may do good. 4. He meditates [or devises] iniqu…
clarkePsalms 36:4: "He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil."
He deviseth mischief upon his bed - He seeks the silent and undisturbed watches of the night, in order to fix his plans of wickedness. He setteth himself - Having laid his plans he fixes his purpose to do what is bad; and he does it without any checks of conscience or abhorrence of evil. He is bent only on mischief, and lost to all sense of God and goodness. A finished characte…
The verse highlights that the wicked don't just do evil, they actively plot it in their private moments, showing a deep-seated intentionality. It emphasizes that their commitment to evil is so complete they don't even recoil from it, not out of ignorance, but a deliberate hardening of their hearts.
This Psalm begins with a stark, almost chilling, description of the inner workings of a wicked person who is completely devoid of God's fear. The psalmist observes how this individual not only thinks about evil but actively plans it, even in the quiet of the night, and becomes resolutely set on a path of wickedness, showing no disgust for wrongdoing. This detailed portrayal of calculated sin sets the stage for the dramatic contrast that follows, where the psalmist turns to praise God's boundless love and faithfulness as the ultimate refuge.
This Psalm begins with a stark, almost chilling, description of the inner workings of a wicked person who is completely devoid of God's fear. The psalmist observes how this individual not only thinks about evil but actively plans it, even in the quiet of the night, and becomes resolutely set on a path of wickedness, showing no disgust for wrongdoing. This detailed portrayal of calculated sin sets the stage for the dramatic contrast that follows, where the psalmist turns to praise God's boundless love and faithfulness as the ultimate refuge.
"He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil." — The verse highlights that the wicked don't just do evil, they actively plot it in their private moments, showing a deep-seated intentionality. It emphasizes that their commitment to evil is so co…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026