Psalm 10 (9):2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Another translator, Akilah, states that they should be weighed down. By taking on the role of an intercessor and pleading for those who have been wronged, the prophet reveals the sorrowful emotions that stem from human frailty. The individual who has been wronged experiences distress due to the absence of deserved punishment for the one who wronged them, mourning without being able to endure the success of the evildoer. For the latter, this situation itself serves as a significant form of suffering.

It is both astonishing and true how fervently children are inspired to pursue a life of righteousness in contrast to those who transgress. In this divine mystery, even erroneous beliefs are permitted to exist; not out of the desire of the heretics themselves, but as a result of God’s Providence, which brings forth outcomes from their sins that not only generate but also validate the light. This light stands in contrast to the darkness, making it all the more delightful; just as the unveiling of truth is more precious when viewed against the backdrop of heresy. Through this juxtaposition, those who are approved and known by God are revealed among humankind.

When the arrogant oppress the downtrodden, the humble are consumed in flames. The pride of the unrighteous acts as a blaze against Your needy ones. They will be ensnared in the schemes they devise. As it is written, ‘Thou shalt bind up the wise in their guile’ (1 Cor. 3:19; cf. Job 5:13).

Because you do not protect those who are wronged, it appears, O Lord, that you are distant and do not regard the actions of humanity. Yet those who suffer offense seem to burn as if caught in a fire, weakened by the pride of those who wrong them. The Prophet described it as ‘burns up,’ for they resemble flames consumed by flames, and from their lips escape sighs like smoke. The Prophet indicates that their own cowardice leads to their downfall, as they are not motivated by thoughts of greatness but rather are plagued by doubt regarding Your Providence. This is captured in the phrase, ‘they falter in the consciences which they think.’ To provide clarity, the Prophet further stated: For the wicked boasts in the lust of his soul; the covetous man pleases himself.

When the wicked are proud, they cause the righteous to suffer greatly. The ungodly, when they flourish and achieve success in all their endeavors, provoke a deep sense of envy in the godly, who lament and cry out as though they have been neglected and left in ignorance. Alternatively, this can be interpreted as follows: when evil spirits boast over humanity, those who lack virtue are filled with sorrow. “They bind themselves in counsels which they concoct.” This also applies to the wicked; as the prophet notes, they support themselves with their own schemes, equating success with their deceptions. They may also rely on others who share their depravity.

The prophet, interceding for those wronged, reflects on the passions inherent in humanity, recognizing the frailty of human nature. He suggests that when the wicked thrive and take pride in their achievements, the lowly beggar is consumed by envy, observing the success of the sinful. Some may even become ensnared in their own contemplations, as if caught in a web of doubt regarding Divine Providence. Observing the ungodly flourish while they themselves suffer in poverty and anguish, and failing to recognize the depths of God's judgment, they become increasingly entangled in their troubled thoughts, overwhelmed by the disparities of fortune.

The individual who is humble in spirit and suffers in destitution for the sake of Christ, recognizing the futility of the arrogance of the unrighteous, is increasingly ignited by love for God and grows in righteousness. This person foresees the eternal destruction of the wicked, who entangle themselves in sin like a trap.