Numbers 21:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This poisonous influence results in the fact that "from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness— all these evil things come from within and defile a man" (Mk. 7:21-23). It leads to actions such as "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like" (Gal. 5:19-21). Consequently, there arises pride, arrogance, disdain for others, judgment, slander, gossip, cursing, vengeance in thought and word, and a desire for personal honor, glory, and recognition. This also breeds flattery, deceit, manipulation, falsehood, and hypocrisy, leading to disgraceful actions and conversations. It gives rise to undue concern about food, drink, and comfort, leading people to fixate on external appearances, home decorations, and other vanities. All of these issues stem from fleshly desires and the serpent's venom implanted in the hearts of humanity. The internal poison torments us, causing unbearable suffering over time. The serpent's hidden venom afflicts the soul in various ways, leading to profound anguish. Look at the torment caused by pride! Observe how it afflicts individuals and the many schemes they devise to gain recognition, glory, and praise in this world! Once they achieve it, they labor tirelessly to safeguard this treasure. They become resentful when disdained, crushed when stripped of honor, and many suffer greatly in the process. It is impossible to fully articulate the turmoil and agony inflicted upon the human soul by greed! We witness the relentless pursuit of wealth, the fear and anxiety they endure to protect what they possess, and the profound grief they experience when it is taken from them, leading some to despair of life itself. The anguish caused by unchecked desires is known to all, especially those who lead a celibate life. Those desires burn like a fever, setting the whole body ablaze. Envy brings its own torment; it can leave the body pale and parched. Anger produces distressing manifestations; just observe how someone in anger behaves—raging, cursing, striking themselves, and acting as if possessed. If the outward condition is so pitiful, imagine the state of the tormented soul! Witness the fierce serpent's poison lurking in the soul, causing immense suffering! Be diligent in examining this deadly toxin that resides in your heart. Its destructive effects are evident; if it did not exist, one would not suffer such bitter ailments. The actions we see reflect the presence of this poison; its painful manifestations reveal its existence. Recognizing this grave malady should propel us to seek healing so that we do not perish forever, both soul and body. The poison that dwells in our being, when unchecked, leads to death. Thus, this all-destructive toxin, if untreated by Christ's power, threatens the soul with eternal separation. When the body falls ill, we seek a healer, striving to recover despite knowing this physical vessel will ultimately decay. Should we not care even more passionately for the immortal and invaluable soul, which surpasses the worth of the entire universe, and seek healing for it? The soul, created in God's image and redeemed by the precious blood of His Son, is of such great value, yet we neglect it. We do so because we fail to recognize its severe and fatal affliction and the poison it harbors. Oh, how different it would be if one could see the true state of their soul! It would lead to horror and inconsolable grief, prompting a desperate search for healing and restoration of its original beauty and grace! Who, faced with such dire circumstances, would not seek liberation? We observe those who are physically ill, and upon sensing their ailment, they pursue a cure. Is the soul not aware of its own suffering? It is impossible for someone with awareness of their plight not to seek relief! Acknowledgment of misfortune drives us to find ways to escape it. Recognize, therefore, the profound weakness of your soul, and you will be motivated to seek healing. Without awareness of weakness, there can be no remedy.