Psalm 119 (118):101Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now consider the further instruction: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no new category of the blessed is introduced here; rather, the act of examining the testimonies of the Lord and wholeheartedly seeking Him is synonymous with being blameless in the way, thereby walking in the Lord’s law. Next, he affirms, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we acknowledge that some who commit iniquity may indeed contemplate the Lord’s testimonies, preferring knowledge over righteousness. Others may study these testimonies not because they already lead virtuous lives, but in hopes of learning how to live rightly. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, which is why they have not reached the state of blessedness.

It is indeed proclaimed in this Psalm: "They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God’s assistance—He who holds both us and our words in His hands (Wisdom 7:16)—to ensure that what is correctly stated is also rightly understood, so as not to confuse the reader or listener. It is crucial to avoid the misconception that all the saints' declarations, such as, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), imply that they do not walk in the Lord’s ways, since sin is indeed evil, and those who do evil do not tread His paths. Alternatively, it cannot be presumed that they walk in the Lord’s ways without sin, which is unequivocally false. This statement is not merely a precaution against arrogance, for were it aimed solely at that, it would have declared, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words clarify the intent and dispel all doubt. After making this point, the blessed John emphasizes, "If we confess our sins, He, being faithful and just, will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

What does it mean when he states, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded too much from us? Or perhaps we fall short? Regardless of the interpretation, the implication appears to contradict the well-known sage advice esteemed by the Greeks and lauded by the Latins: "Do nothing excessively." Nonetheless, the Latin language can sometimes employ the term "nimis" in a manner that resonates in Scripture and through our daily conversations as profound. In this context, when you say we keep your commandments too strictly, it conveys more than is typically understood; if one were to express to a dear friend, "I love you too much," it does not imply an excess that is improper, but rather a profound depth of feeling.

"Oh, if only," he expresses, "my paths would be made straight, that I might observe Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself this duty: "O, if I could fully comprehend what You have embraced." Recognize in these words the earnestness of the willing heart; having identified this expression of desire, let go of any presumptuous pride. For who can claim they desire what lies within their grasp without divine assistance? Therefore, if one yearns to fulfill what God commands, one must seek His help in achieving what He has ordained.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to regard God's commandments as one would look into a mirror, as illustrated by the apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual longs to be in such a state that he can view God's commandments in this way without confusion, for he intends to be not merely a hearer but a doer as well. Thus, he desires his paths to be straight so he may uphold God’s statutes. But how can one achieve such straightness other than by the grace of God? Otherwise, the law of God would not provide joy but confusion if one were to examine the commandments that they do not intend to follow.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart; in this shall I know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is one of praise rather than of sin, as demonstrated by, "In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as it is recorded in the book of Ecclesiasticus: "Confess all the works of God, for they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He states, "I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, when my paths are aligned properly, I will offer this confession to You, as it is Your accomplishment and hence Your praise, not mine.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But consider the subsequent plea: "O leave me not even too much!" or as some versions read, "not excessively." For God, who did not forsake the world amidst its wilderness of sin, would have abandoned it entirely without the powerful remedy of grace provided through our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, according to this prayer emanating from the body of Christ, He did not abandon it too harshly; for God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19).

The words of the law, which we comprehend spiritually, revealing the Jesus Christ they proclaim. The phrase 'I have kept my feet' reflects the notion of free will; the speaker asserts this because it is his choice to direct his steps or to restrain them. Didyma explains that the wicked ways are those that lead to sin: the wicked path includes lust and intoxication, which can lead to adultery; anger constitutes another evil path, as it may lead to murder or harmful speech. Such are the examples of these ways.

When we sin once, we become susceptible to further transgressions, gradually forming habits that oppose our conscience. One habit leads to the next, creating a pattern of selfishness that can number in the dozens or even hundreds.

When a person finally awakens to the desire to walk righteously and to please God, they often find themselves ensnared on all sides. What can be done? One must resolve to adhere steadfastly to God's commandments, nurturing this determination in every possible way, harboring a reverent fear of God, and remembering death and divine judgment. This resolve will help to redirect your steps away from every evil way. Avoid a sudden affection for things that are good; rather, begin by refraining from wrongdoing. Even if your ingrained impulses urge you towards sin, keep them in check through the strength of your commitment.

Sin begins in the heart but grows stronger through habitual actions. To eradicate it, one must do the opposite: cease sinful acts, which will eventually lead to the purification of the heart. Do not frequent the places that feed your negative habits; sever ties with those who indulge in sin, and transform the very fabric of your life that has nourished these vices. This means intentionally directing your steps away from evil. When faced with the temptation to sin, how can someone accustomed to it resist? But when the temptations are far off, even if sinful thoughts arise, create a commotion within your mind to dispel them. It is much easier to fend off thoughts when external stimuli—like sights and sounds—do not bombard you with sinful allure.

The Holy Fathers have compared one who faces temptation to someone precariously positioned on the edge of an abyss; a slight nudge from the enemy can send them tumbling in. Conversely, those who stay away from temptation are like individuals distanced from the abyss, granting them time to resist the enemy's pull or to seek aid and escape adversity. By avoiding the pathways of the wicked, we cast out sin and restore goodness within our souls. However, this external effort requires an internal counterpart—keeping the mind's pathways clear of evil.

The mental pathway of sin begins with an evil thought that garners affection, stirs desire, and leads toward sinful deeds. When one halts these external avenues of sin, they have done well. Yet, one must not stop at that; strive also to curb internal tendencies. Even if you evade external paths of sin, mental distractions often continue to linger. Thus, guard your mind against the paths of the wicked, lest they draw your physical actions along with them. Dismiss sinful thoughts, eradicate desires that align with them, and most importantly, be wary of any inclinations towards wrongdoing. As long as the evil is absent, you remain secure; but the moment it takes root, you become vulnerable. While it is possible to navigate through temptation, it is wiser not to expose oneself to it, for a struggle awaits.

The abyss may still feel distant, yet the enemy is already grasping for you, attempting to drag you down. The key is to avoid evil thoughts, which can be bothersome like persistent mosquitoes; do not tire in your efforts to chase them away. If you are quick to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, your journey will become significantly easier.

Your law is my deepest affection and continuous contemplation; through it, I have become wiser than those who oppose me, often unwise in their worldly understanding. Your law, ever constant and unchanging, remains close at hand, rendering me wiser than those around me, including those who wish to impart their secular knowledge while deeming me shortsighted. Ultimately, I find myself more discerning than the most seasoned among the elderly, who possess knowledge confined to earthly experiences. My wisdom, grounded in my devotion to Your law, enables me to shun evil; practical understanding impresses upon me the invaluable worth of Your law.