¹Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes … ¹⁰O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, and your righteousness to the upright in heart. ¹¹Let not the foot of pride come upon me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.

We see a mix of three distinct literary forms or genres in this psalm. The first is a lament, which describes the depth of human depravity (vss. 1-4). Seemingly straightforward, the first two verses contain some translation difficulties, but their meaning is clear. The writer, David, teaches us through creative and expressive language. In our NASB (also ESV) translation, he personifies the concept “transgression” as talking, like sin, or even Satan whispering wicked thoughts that the listener takes to heart. The NIV and JKJV translate the verse as God speaking, “I have a message from God in my heart …” and “An oracle in my heart concerning ….” Though precise translation may be inexact, the meaning is clear. Perhaps the NET captures the dynamic sense of it, “An evil man is rebellious to the core ….” His self-speak language excludes any higher authority than himself; he does not fear God in the least.

The second verse also challenges the translators, but again, the idea is clear: the ungodly person “flatters” himself that he can talk his way out of any accusation and win any arguments in defense of his actions. His inner ungodly attitude reflects in the perversion of how he communicates with others; he lies awake at night, dwelling on how he can fulfill his darkened heart’s desires. In classic Hebrew understatement, “He does not despise evil,” in other words, he has gone entirely over to the dark side, the opposite of all that is good. One cannot help but think of the apostle Paul’s corresponding description of the downward path of evil hearts that turn away from God (see Rom. 1:18-31).

The psalm turns abruptly to the second literary genre, that of praise (vss. 5-9). What a contrast between the picture of human depravity and the glory of God! Our Lord’s lovingkindness, faithfulness, righteousness, and judgments are set in contrast to human ungodliness, iniquity, wickedness, and evil. God’s glory is so dissimilar, so vastly other than fallen human characteristics, that it extends to the heavens, higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans. No matter how depressing our thoughts when we think of those who oppress us, we must turn our souls to the wonderful goodness of God. He eclipses all the evil in the world.

In particular, the psalm exalts God’s lovingkindness (NASB), which encompasses the other three characteristics. The Hebrew word hesed is an important word drenched with meaning. It refers to God’s covenant-keeping love. It is also translated as “steadfast love” (ESV), “love” (NIV), “loyal love” (NET), and “mercy” (NKJV). The idea is that God is faithful to His covenant people, Israel, by being faithful to the righteous Law. He’s right in all His judgments toward them, just as He said. He is a covenant-keeping God; He always keeps His promises. His love is not tied to an emotional affection for His people but is rooted in His commitment to them. His character is resolute; He cannot change.

The NT word for love, agape, overlaps with this; God’s unconditional love is rooted in His promise keeping to all who believe in His Son, the Lord Jesus, His death on the cross for our sins, and His resurrection from the dead. They will be saved and enter into God’s new covenant. What security this brings to us as believers! We find shelter in His love like a chick under the wings of its momma bird (vs. 7). His is a covenant-keeping love; that is who He is, and that is what He is like! And we are the beneficiaries of His love, as we read about those in a covenant relationship with God:

They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. (Ps. 36:8–9)

Finally, the third literary genre in this psalm—prayer—follows naturally for the one who has a heart for God (vss. 10-12). David wants to continue basking in the Lord’s lovingkindness and avoiding even the slightest toe-hold of pride in his life. Both of these are beyond his ability, so he pleads with God. When the psalm writer asks God to continue His lovingkindness toward him, he puts forward no merit or conditions he has met. God’s hesed depends on Him and Him alone, in keeping with His character as a covenant-keeping God. David prays with confidence, just as we are told in the NT how we should pray:

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. (1 John 5:14)

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

God delights in answering prayers like this when we ask for the enablement to walk in the growing awareness of God’s glory and as far away from sinfulness as possible.

Lord, the prayer of David is my prayer also. Deliver me from evil, particularly the arrogance of self-flattery. Show me Your glory that I might not sin against You.