THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
You are righteous, O Lord. The confusion arises from a general perspective. It is not the essence of the matter that leads to bewilderment, but rather the manner in which we seek to comprehend it. We affirm that You are just, yet I fail to discern the embodiment of righteousness. This situation can be likened to someone witnessing a builder demolishing a house, who might say, “I acknowledge that you are a builder, but I do not perceive how you construct a house.” Hence, I say to You—no person will deem You unjust, nor will anyone fault me for seeking understanding. In response, I assert that I recognize Your righteousness through the judgments You have imparted to me. I validate my supplications made before You. However, I will present judgment to You.
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He asserts that he will contend with You, O Lord, expediting the punishment of the unrighteous. What characterizes the way of the wicked? This concern relates to those who persist in sin. There was once sorrow regarding them, but that sentiment has faded. David and Job expressed similar feelings, but note when these thoughts arose: during times of inner turmoil. Thus, statements born from such distress should not be regarded as edifying. Both Job, faced with reproach from friends, and David, in deep despair, uttered, “I shall be cast from Thy presence” (Psalms 30:23). In my distress, I declared, “All men are deceitful” (Psalm 115:2). Yet I also profess, “I will not be shaken forever” (Psalms 29:7). Consequently, the reflections of the afflicted do not deter the retribution of their adversaries but instead prompt it. Furthermore, what, then, defines the path of the wicked? This was promised to the righteous, as the scripture notes: “All that he does shall prosper” (Psalms 1:3). Why inquire about the way of the wicked? Here, we seek to understand the reasoning. “All who commit iniquity shall be destroyed.” It is particularly perplexing that all endure similar trials, including the Jews; yet, contrary to divine justice, they proclaim, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord” (Malachi 2:17). Do you recognize that if a righteous person does not encounter suffering, he may become despondent upon observing another in affliction, as though he himself were in pain? This situation has caused me confusion. What is the nature of the wicked? In speaking of the lawless among the people, he, fully aware of the schemes against him, prays for their judgment, seeking to hasten their consequences.
Indeed, many experienced temptation during that time, even among those who appeared to be self-disciplined, as they fell into fear upon witnessing the success of the unrighteous. Thus the prophet mentions, “My feet almost stumbled; I was envious of the arrogant” (Psalms 72:2-3). Another writer queries, “Why does the path of the wicked appear so favorable?” Job too raised several such inquiries. However, those who voiced such questions and sought understanding did so from a place of imperfection; yet now, those who are troubled by these matters do not merit forgiveness, as they have been instructed in discipline, taught about the future, and provided clear teachings regarding both hell and the kingdom, knowing that everyone will be recompensed according to their deeds.