Let such a person therefore recite the subsequent verses, not merely with their spoken voice but through the actions of their life. The culmination of this divine construction will be the ineffable realm of wisdom, the foundation of which lies in the reverence of the Lord; hence, let the one who is built up by this address begin from there.
Blessed is the one who reveres the Lord; they shall find great delight in His commandments (Psalm 111:1). God, who alone governs with righteousness and mercy, observes the extent to which one abides by His commandments. Life on earth is indeed a trial, as Job reminds us (Job 7:1). But it is the Lord who judges us (1 Corinthians 4:4). He will discern the benefit each individual derives from His commands. The one who cherishes the peace of this collective building will take great pleasure in them. They should not lose hope, for there is tranquility on earth for those of goodwill (Luke 2:14).
Next comes the declaration, "His descendants shall be mighty in the land" (Psalm 111:2). The Apostle evidence that acts of mercy are seeds for future blessings when he states, "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we will reap" (Galatians 6:9), and again, "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly" (2 Corinthians 9:6). What could be more compelling than that not only did Zacchaeus acquire the kingdom of heaven for half of his wealth (Luke 19:8), but the widow offered her two small coins (Mark 12:42), and thus everyone has equal access to that kingdom? What could be stronger than the reality that the same kingdom holds immense value for the wealthy and signifies a mere cup of cold water for the poor? "Wealth and abundance shall be in his house" (Psalm 111:3). For his house signifies his heart, where, in heartfelt praise to God, he possesses greater riches in the hope of eternal life than those who seek flattery amidst ornate palaces and extravagant banquets, coupled with the dread of eternal death. His righteousness is everlasting; behold His glory, for there lies true wealth. Meanwhile, worldly luxuries like fine garments, sumptuous feasts—even if they are enjoyed—will fade; and when they come to an end, the anguished soul will cry out in thirst for just a drop of water (Luke 16:24).
"For the righteous, light will shine in the darkness" (Psalm 111:4). Righteously, the godly direct their hearts to God, rightly aligning their paths with His will and refraining from arrogance. They recall that they once dwelled in darkness but now find light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8). The Lord God is merciful, compassionate, and just. It brings us joy to know His mercy and compassion, yet understanding His justice can be daunting. Fear not, nor lose heart, joyful person who reveres the Lord and finds delight in His commands. Be gracious, be merciful, and lend. For the Lord is just in judging without mercy those who have shown none (James 2:13), but "Blessed is the one who is gracious and lends" (Psalm 111:5); God will not turn away from him, as if he were unworthy. "Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you" (Luke 6:37-38). You forgive to be forgiven, and you are merciful when you lend. While various acts of charity encompass helping others through hardship, there is a distinction when one spends neither wealth nor toil, but rather, by forgiving those who have wronged them, receives free pardon for their own shortcomings. He who refuses to give to the needy seeks only riches; heed the words, "You will have treasures in heaven" (Matthew 19:21). You will not lose dignity by forgiving, for conquering anger is a commendable triumph. You shall not face impoverishment through generosity, for heavenly treasures are a more secure possession. The previous verse, "Wealth and abundance shall be in his house," resonates deeply with this sentiment.
Thus, one who engages in these deeds should articulate their words wisely. Their actions themselves will speak for them and offer protection during the Judgment; it will not lack favor, as they themselves have shown kindness. They will stand unshaken (Psalm 111:6). Those called to the right hand will hear these words, "Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." None but acts of mercy are acknowledged there. Hence, he shall hear, "Come, you blessed of my Father," for the lineage of the upright shall be blessed. The righteous will endure in everlasting remembrance. They shall not fear evil tidings; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord (Psalm 111:7). Such words will be spoken to those on the left: "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:34, 41). The one who does not seek their own interests but the interests of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:21) endures trials with patience, waiting in hope for the promises. They are not easily shaken by temptations; their heart remains steadfast and does not falter until they see what will befall their adversaries (Psalm 111:8). Their foes sought to witness good in this life, and upon being promised unseen blessings, they questioned, "Who will show us good?" Therefore, let our hearts be strengthened and not disheartened until we look beyond our adversaries. They wish to see the good deeds of men in this realm, while we anticipate the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Yet it is truly remarkable to possess a steadfast heart, unwavering, when others rejoice in the pleasures visible to the eye and scoff at those who hope for the unseen, which the Lord has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). How precious is that which remains unseen, and how much one must invest to obtain it. Therefore, he gives in secret and aids the needy (Psalm 110:9); he has not seen but has purchased a treasure, gathering wealth in heaven while those on earth go hungry and thirsty. No surprise, then, that his righteousness will endure forever; He who created the ages safeguards it. His horn, which the proud have scorned, will be exalted in honor.
The wicked will see and be filled with rage (Psalm 111:10); this anger is late and unfruitful repentance. For whom do they rage against, if not themselves, when they lament, "What has our pride availed us?"; "What good has our wealth brought us?" (Wisdom 5:8). Seeing that his horn is lifted in honor, he who wasted his goods and generously gave to the poor will grind his teeth in despair, for there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. He will no longer bloom and bear fruit as he might have, had he repented in time; instead, he will feel remorse when the desires of the wicked fade, and there will be no solace. The aspirations of the wicked fade as all creation passes like a shadow (Wisdom 5:8-9), when the blossom perishes upon withering grass. Yet the word of the Lord, which endures forever (Isaiah 40:8), though mocked by the empty vanity of those falsely joyous, will mock the ruin of those who are genuinely wretched.
THEOSIS