Old Testament
Psalms 36:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The transgression of the wicked speaks within my heart: there is no fear of God before his eyes.
Compare translations
The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
What Psalms 36:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist reflects on the nature of wickedness and its consequences. The 'transgression of the wicked' suggests that those who do wrong often have an internal dialogue that reveals their lack of reverence for God. The phrase 'there is no fear of God before his eyes' indicates that the wicked do not recognize or respect God's authority, leading them to act without moral restraint. This lack of fear can result in a life filled with sin and disregard for the consequences of their actions. The psalmist's observation serves as a warning about the dangers of living without a sense of accountability to God, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy fear of the Lord, which is essential for righteous living.
How to apply Psalms 36:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards God. It reminds us to cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, which can guide our actions and decisions. By recognizing God's authority, we can avoid the pitfalls of wickedness and live a life that honors Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 36:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 36:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 36:1 say about wickedness?
Psalms 36:1 highlights that the transgressions of the wicked reveal an internal mindset that lacks reverence for God. It suggests that those who engage in wrongdoing often do so without recognizing the moral implications of their actions, as they do not fear God's authority.
How can I apply Psalms 36:1 in my life?
To apply Psalms 36:1, reflect on your own attitudes towards God and morality. Cultivating a healthy fear of the Lord can guide your decisions and actions, helping you to avoid the pitfalls of sin and live in a way that honors God. Regular self-examination and prayer can strengthen your relationship with Him.
What does 'fear of God' mean in this verse?
In this verse, 'fear of God' refers to a deep respect and reverence for God's authority and power. It implies an awareness of His holiness and the consequences of sin. This fear is not about being scared, but rather about recognizing God's rightful place in our lives, which can lead to moral accountability and righteous living.
Why is the internal dialogue of the wicked important?
The internal dialogue of the wicked is important because it reveals their mindset and attitudes towards God. Psalms 36:1 suggests that this dialogue reflects a lack of moral restraint and accountability, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Understanding this can help us recognize the importance of aligning our thoughts with God's truth.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.