For such individuals, the winds of anger, pride, lust, envy, and falsehood direct their path. They are easily influenced by every gust of error that comes their way. The psalmist poignantly states, "O my God, make them like tumbleweeds, like chaff before the wind" (Psalm 82:14). The wicked are like tumbleweeds because as they embark on their path, they disregard what lies ahead, pursuing what they should leave behind, causing their backs to rise even as they stumble forward. They are aptly likened to 'dust in the wind' since, when faced with temptation, they lack stability, often raised up only to fall, sometimes mistakenly believing themselves exalted by their transgressions. Their lot is cursed upon the earth; may they not walk in the path of the vineyard, as captured in Job 24:18.
In a clearer sense, those who live righteously yet suffer in this life may endure considerable trials and tribulation; nevertheless, they will conclude their journey with the promise of eternal blessings, while those who act wickedly, even when fortunate, remain unrestrained in evil despite their momentary prosperity. Thus, it can be rightly stated, let their portion be cursed upon the earth, for despite their temporary favor, they are securely bound to eternal condemnation. Moreover, it is rightly added: “And let him not walk in the way of the vineyards,” which signifies the righteousness of the Church. Here, we can understand this to refer to heretics or any worldly individuals who abandon either the true faith or a righteous life, losing the ‘way of the vineyard,’ which represents the Church’s truth. Those who ‘walk in the way of the vineyard’ are those who cherish the teachings of the Holy Church and adhere steadfastly to both faith and good works. To ‘walk in the way of the vineyard’ means to become intoxicated by the richness of the love for Eternity, as one heeds the guidance found in the teachings of the Holy Church Fathers, akin to clusters of grapes, while journeying along the shaded path. The text continues:
THEOSIS