Psalm 10 (9):3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The psalmist expresses a desire for those who engage in deceit to face consequences, suggesting that their clever schemes be turned against them, and he highlights a particularly egregious form of evil. What type of evil is this? "For the sinner is praised for the lusts of his soul." He questions what there is to conceal or be ashamed of, when it is precisely this behavior that earns him admiration and astonishment. How can one expect healing when sin is celebrated? This is evident even today. Some are lauded for gaining power, others for retaliating against their foes, while yet others receive accolades for their cunning in seizing the possessions of others. Even when they ruin themselves, it is said they have found resolution; others share similar sentiments.

However, there exists a counterfeit glory, where commendation is misplaced, whether concerning actions, individuals, or both. One errs regarding actions when they misjudge evil as good. Regarding individuals, the error occurs when a wicked person is mistaken for a righteous one. In both instances, vice is mischaracterized as virtue, and individuals—whether virtuous or not—are celebrated for qualities they do not genuinely possess. For instance, supporting hypocrites with money is a significant wrongdoing rather than a commendable act. It is clear how widespread the admiration is for those who show generosity to hypocrites, as Scripture notes, “The sinner is praised in the desires of his soul, and blessed is he who commits iniquity” (cf. Ps. 9:3 LXX).

This reflects the patience of God, for as the wicked continue to evade consequences, some of the foolish celebrate their existence.

Although praise is given to the sinner indulging in the desires of his heart, it is the one who transgresses who is deemed 'blessed' or 'accepted.' Regarding the term "kako," which translates from Russian as "so as" or "because," it is important to understand that the equivalent term in Hebrew does not always indicate causation; at times, it serves merely as an adverb for affirmation, and in other instances, it may be considered redundant, primarily appearing in conversation due to custom or idiomatic expression. According to the prophet, vice has proliferated among the wicked to such a degree that those who sin—especially with fervor—take pride in their desires, which they pursue fervently, driven by their passions. Similarly, those who offend others receive praise for their immoral actions from peers who share their depravity.

You inquired about the meaning behind the phrase, "And he that offendeth is blessed." Listen closely. The term "blessed" (ευλογειται) derives from the concept of 'speaking well' (ευ λέγεσθαι), which indicates that such a person is praised and exalted by those around him, which in turn reinforces his moral decay, preventing any recognition of his flaws. This results in a state where he becomes unhealable, as he does not feel the pain of his actions and therefore does not seek or accept healing. This situation is particularly dire when wrongdoing is lauded and not even acknowledged as such. Hence, if it is at all possible, he must be corrected; and if not, he should refrain from complimenting and instead bring awareness to the deceit, avoiding any contributions to the affliction.

The deception of the Antichrist arises from the elevation of the wicked; when the sinful are honored, their pride swells, and those who encounter insincere praise turn a blind eye to their transgressions. As a result, immorality knows no limits, and the individual renowned for evil is celebrated. Indeed, the person who succumbs to the falsehoods of sycophants reaches the pinnacle of pride. This is epitomized in the Antichrist, who, led astray by a throng of impostors, claims not only to be the sovereign of the earth but even God of heaven.

The dual affliction The ailment of pride is particularly severe, striking from multiple angles and causing wounds linked to negligence. Some individuals take pride in their superiority, while others revel in their shortcomings. Regarding those who boast of their righteousness, it is stated, For God scatters the bones of men-pleasers (Ps 52:6). Conversely, concerning those who take pride in their vices, it is declared, For the sinner is praised for the lusts of his soul, and the offender is commended.

Easily swayed individuals are particularly those lacking in spiritual wealth and understanding, and are unstable in their beliefs about holiness. They disappoint a wise Providence by honoring those who pursue their desires, even though it is evident that the sinner seeks not what is right but rather what is gratifying and thrilling. Additionally, due to this same misunderstanding, they regard those who have gained material wealth and fleeting earthly honor as recipients of divine favor, mistakenly asserting that God favors the unrighteous. They ought to remember that God's true blessing is reserved for the righteous.

He elaborates on the rationale, presenting numerous additional points to explain why the unrighteous takes pride in his wealth, while the destitute is filled with fervor. The wealthy and powerful command respect from everyone, and despite living in immorality and rebellion, his wishes are granted, and his actions are lauded. Even when he harms, steals from, and destroys others, he is regarded as fortunate by those who flatter him and his companions, although he truly deserves condemnation.

The unrighteous takes pride in harboring thoughts to harm the blameless, and through the wickedness of others, he finds a twisted sense of favor that leads to his own ruin.