36:1 Because the wicked have no fear of God, nothing restrains them from sinning. They plunge ahead as if nothing will happen to them. But God is just and is only delaying their punishment. This knowledge should hold us back from sinning. Let the fear of God do its work in you to keep you from sin. In your gratitude for God’s love and mercy, don’t ignore his justice.
36:5-8 In contrast to evil people and their wicked plots that end in failure, God will triumph. He is faithful, righteous, and kind. His mercy is as vast as the heavens; his faithfulness reaches the clouds; his righteousness is as solid as a mountain; his judgments are as full of wisdom as the oceans are with water. We need not fear evil people because we know God loves us, judges evil, and will care for us throughout eternity.
36:9 “Fountain of life” is a vivid image of fresh, cleansing water that gives life to the spiritually thirsty. This same picture is used in Jeremiah 2:13, where God is called the “fountain of living waters.” Jesus spoke of himself as living water that could quench thirst forever and give eternal life (John 4:14).