Psalm 36 gives us one of the Bible’s many descriptions of a “wicked man.” At least its opening and closing verses do so.

One trait that impressed me late last night was … “He deviseth mischief upon his bed.” Psalm 36:4

The verb “deviseth” is “chashab” in Hebrew and means “to think, to imagine, to conceive” and even “to count” a few times. The Hebrew word’s “imperfect” sense of tense, sense of action, suggests this is not a one-time act of the wicked man’s part. He deviseth mischief night after night, habitually!

The noun “mischief” is “aven,” and means “wickedness, iniquity, unrighteousness.”

The verb has a root meaning which suggests “panting,” implying enjoying those sinful thoughts with great delight! With rapture even, getting excited (breathing hard) over such (evil) prospects!

This man at night (in his bed) plans his next sinful venture!

Now let’s contrast him with the godly man! Specifically at night I mean, when going to sleep.

Here’s one report, by a Psalmist … “I remember Thee (Lord) upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches.” Psalm 63:6

See the differnce?

David too, if you believe he wrote Psalm 119:62 … “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.”

The point being, what occupies your mind (and mine as well) as we lay down to rest?

Evil imaginations?

Or godly thoughts?

A good idea: start going to bed with a Scripture verse on your mind, on you heart. And mentally roll it over again and again, pondering its truths. Do this until sleep comes!

Nearly` guaranteed … if you will begin this habit, meditating on the Word of God at night … the Lord just might surprise you with a host of blessings!

He just might “plant” you by the rives of waters, and give you spiritual “fruit” season after season, sparing you from ever “withering” as a Christian. And additionally, He can make you prosper in innumerable ways! (Yes, Psalm 1:1-3 says as much!)

Just based on what you do at night, “on your bed!”

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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