Psalm 10 (9):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Likewise, this sinner, prone to pride, has been driven to madness. This is why Paul, when addressing adulterers, directed the Corinthians thus: "And you became proud, instead of weeping better" (1 Corinthians 5:2). It is far more crucial to mourn rather than to commend the sinner. Do you notice the utter depravity when the wicked are neither condemned nor rightly shamed, but instead receive honor and praise? Consequently, through his own folly and the accolades he receives, he intensifies his wickedness, forsaking the fear of God and His justice, ultimately losing sight of his own humanity. Truly, one who neglects the justice of God will, over time, forget himself. Consider his reasoning: "I will not be moved from generation to generation, and I will remain unscathed." What could be more foolish than such reasoning when a mortal, a being subject to decay and surrounded by impermanent things, harbors such delusions? This thought stems from madness. When a madman enjoys success, defeats his foes, and is lauded in admiration, he becomes the most wretched. If he does not anticipate a change in fortune, he foolishly revels in his happiness, but when misfortune arises unexpectedly, he is bewildered and lost. Job, however, was not of this mindset; even amid his blessings, he anticipated calamity each day. Thus he proclaimed, "For the terrible thing which I dreaded came upon me; and that which I feared came upon me. There is no peace, no rest, no comfort: misery has befallen me" (Job 3:25, 26). Similarly, another wise individual advised, "In times of abundance, remember the times of need, and in days of wealth, be mindful of poverty and want" (Sir. 18:25). Yet this sinner, thoroughly depraved, does not reflect on the actions of others, but rather, based on his prosperity, deems himself unassailable; this is indicative of profound folly and corruption, leading to destruction. Therefore, do not consider those who are wealthy, who triumph over their adversaries, and receive accolades as blessed; such notions can prove to be treacherous pitfalls for the unmindful, drawing them into the deepest depths of wickedness.

Those whose lives yield no goodness crave to be spoken of, even if it is negatively, provided their name achieves widespread recognition. What is implied is, "I will not pass from generation to generation without evil."

There is an alternative interpretation suggesting that a deluded and vain mind may believe it cannot transition from the temporal to the eternal generation without resorting to sinful practices. This notion mirrors the experience of Simon, who thought he could ascend to heaven through sorcery and move from humanity to divinity via magic (Acts 8:9). What surprise is it then, that the "man of sin," who is destined to embody the wickedness spurred by all false prophets and will perform astonishing signs — so much so that, if feasible, he would mislead even the chosen ones (Matt. 24:24) — would proclaim in his heart, "I will not pass from generation to generation without evil"?