The Bible Says
Psalm 36:10-12 Meaning

Psalm 36:10-12 is traditionally attributed to David, who reigned as the second king of Israel from around 1010 BC to 970 BC, and it culminates with a hopeful appeal to God. He cries out, O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, And Your righteousness to the upright in heart (v. 10). By emphasizing God’s lovingkindness, or covenant loyalty, David underscores that God faithfully acts on behalf of His people. Those who truly know Him trust in that steadfast presence, especially as they seek to live uprightly. This verse hints at the truth that love and righteousness cannot be separated in the nature of the Almighty.

The prayer David offers calls for God’s constant love to go on without interruption. In biblical thought, to “know God” is not merely to acknowledge His existence but also to share a committed, covenantal bond with Him. Whether in joy or sorrow, God’s love remains unwavering, reaching out to His people in mercy and grace. This ongoing kindness also echoes the New Testament teaching of God’s enduring love, evident in passages about Jesus coming into the world (John 3:16). Through hearts made righteous, individuals align themselves with God’s ways and receive His saving care.

In the larger context of Psalm 36, David highlights the contrast between human wickedness and divine goodness. People whose hearts are upright depend on God’s compassion. When David implores God to continue His favor, he reminds believers of the endless provision and security found only in the Lord. This assurance emboldens all who walk in faith to press on, confident that God will sustain them.

Next, David pleads, Let not the foot of pride come upon me, And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away (v. 11). The reference to pride’s foot indicates the oppressive nature of arrogance, often creating stumbling blocks for the faithful. Pride is consistently portrayed in Scripture as a destructive force, an attitude God opposes (James 4:6). David prays to remain clear of such influences, imploring God to shield him from any domineering presence.

This petition reflects the reality that opposition can come both from within, through the temptation to become haughty, and from without, through the menace of wicked individuals. David’s request for divine protection underscores the covenant relationship once again, as the faithful look to their Lord to uphold them in every danger. By seeking refuge in God, the psalmist exemplifies a humble reliance on the One who grants peace and security.

David’s use of “drive me away” paints a vivid picture of a person forced from safe ground. Yet the plea itself implies that believers are welcomed into God’s presence, embraced by Him, and made steadfast against all forms of evil. In a broader biblical sense, this verse calls for humility and steadfast trust to maintain a close walk with God, resisting any arrogance that would sever that relationship and place the believer in harm’s path.

The conclusion of the passage emphasizes judgment on wickedness: There the doers of iniquity have fallen; They have been thrust down and cannot rise (v. 12). David places firm confidence in God’s ultimate triumph over evil. His words ring with finality, highlighting that because the righteous Lord rules, persistent wrongdoing inevitably ends in defeat. Those who practice wickedness might appear powerful for a time, but God’s dominion prevails.

When David says the wicked “cannot rise,” he signals that their downfall is permanent. This resonates with themes of divine justice throughout Scripture, pointing forward to New Testament passages emphasizing the ultimate judgment of evil (Revelation 20:10). David’s insight, birthed from both personal experience and Israel’s history, urges the faithful to recognize the sure victory of righteousness in God’s kingdom.

In practical terms, the psalm closes by uniting God’s love and righteousness with His justice, offering assurance to all who stand upright in heart. Evil will not endure against the Almighty. David’s confidence in God’s sovereign protection and plan assures believers that their refuge lies in aligning themselves with the Lord, both in attitude and action.