THEOSISGregory the Great
You have removed their capacity for discipline, as noted in Job 17:4. In understanding true discipline, individuals do not disregard the commandments of our Lord, and even the frail human condition of the flesh serves as a reminder of the love in eternal life; our encounters with the decay of the flesh in this world prepare us for discipline. Experiences such as discomfort from varying temperatures, the pangs of hunger and thirst, suffering from illness, and ultimately facing death—are these not consequences of sin? Many endure various misfortunes, whether minor or severe, yet they never allow such trials to instill fear of Him who corrects them.
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Thus, it rightly affirms, you have removed their capacity for discipline; although they may endure physical hardships, their hearts remain distant from true discipline as long as the one enduring correction does not attain humility. This can also be understood in the sense that the Almighty and Compassionate God has ‘removed their capacity for discipline,’ allowing them to remain in their fallen state if they have chosen to do so themselves; as we also plead in our prayers, "And lead us not into temptation," which means ‘do not let us fall into the suffering of temptation.’ Consequently, it continues, therefore they shall not be exalted, as stated in Job 17:4. A heart that embraces discipline will strive for higher, eternal matters instead of pursuing fleeting pleasures, even if they appear good. Therefore, for those whose hearts lack discipline, it is rightly noted: therefore they shall not be exalted. Being ensnared by base pleasures, those who crave earthly delights fail to elevate their hearts towards the joys of Paradise; they would attain elevation if they directed their minds towards the promise of the heavenly realm; yet, those who do not prioritize their paths in discipline either remain anchored in lowly desires, or, more tragically, those who lie low exalt themselves due to transient gains. While such individuals may appear elevated, they cannot truly be exalted, for their self-exaltation only sinks them deeper. Thus, a heart that remains undisciplined cannot be raised up, because a misguided elevation of the mind leads to a fall, whereas one disciplined towards righteousness is lifted high. It follows: