Psalm 119 (118):102Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, pay attention to what follows: “Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no other group of the blessed is referenced here besides the previously mentioned. To study the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly symbolizes blamelessness on the path, which entails walking according to the law of the Lord. He then states, “For those who do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we are aware that those who commit iniquity do examine the testimonies of the Lord, for they prioritize knowledge over righteousness; others also scrutinize the Lord's testimonies, not because they already lead righteous lives, but in hopes of discerning how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and consequently, they have yet to attain the blessedness spoken of.

It is affirmed and reiterated in this Psalm: “Those who do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet we must strive, with divine assistance—He who holds both us and our words in His hands (Wisdom 7:16)—so that what is rightly stated is not misinterpreted by the listener. We should be cautious not to assume that all the saints, whose words declare, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), are incapable of walking in the ways of the Lord, as sin is evil, and those who engage in evil do not follow His paths; or, conversely, if they do walk in the ways of the Lord, one might mistakenly conclude that they are without sin, which is assuredly false. This is not expressed merely to prevent arrogance or pride; if that were the case, it would not have added, “And truth is not in us,” but would rather state, “Humility is not in us.” The subsequent words provide clearer insight and resolve uncertainties: after stating this, blessed John continued, “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 signify when he proclaims, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have we taken on too much? Or perhaps left too little? Regardless of how we interpret it, the implication seems to counter the well-known and esteemed ideals of the Greeks and the unanimously praised teachings of the Latins, which advocate for moderation. Yet, the Latin term 'nimis' can be understood in a way that mirrors Scriptural usage and carries significant weight in conversation. When we say to a cherished friend, “I love you too much,” we do not imply excess, but rather an abundance of affection.

“How I long,” he expresses, “that my ways may be made straight, so that I might keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself the responsibility; O how I long to grasp what You have undertaken! Upon hearing this, recognize the words of one who is willing, and upon acknowledging that expression of desire, cast aside the arrogance of presumption. Who asserts they desire something within their reach and can achieve it unaided? Therefore, if one wishes to fulfill what God commands, they must beseech God to empower them to carry out His will.

“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—whether recited or recalled—as a mirror, as the apostle James indicates (James 1:23-25). This individual longs to align with God's commandments so that he might observe them without confusion, striving to be not just a hearer, but a doer of the word. This is why he yearns for his ways to be straightened in order to adhere to God's statutes. How can one achieve straightness if not by God’s grace? Otherwise, they will find in the law of God a source of turmoil rather than joy, should they examine the commandments they are unwilling to embrace.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, in the direction of my heart; in this I will know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This statement reflects praise rather than confession of sins, echoing the sentiment of, “In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as stated in Ecclesiasticus: “so confess all the works of God that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). “I confess to You,” he indicates, “according to the guidance of my heart.” Indeed, if my paths are corrected, I shall confess to You, for You have accomplished it, and it is Your glory and not my own.

He continues: “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O leave me not even too much!” or, as certain manuscripts suggest, “not even excessively.” Because God forsook the world amidst its sins, had it not been upheld by the mighty remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, He would have abandoned it entirely; however, in response to this prayer from the body of Christ, He did not forsake it even too much, for in Christ, God reconciled the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

When you prevent your feet from walking down a sinful path, you simultaneously open the door to walk the righteous one. When you offer alms, failing to do so is to choose the wrong way; however, God’s reward lies in generosity: by giving, you avoid the path of evil and remain aligned with God's purpose. If you have wronged another, the sinful path beckons revenge, while God's decree guides you toward forgiveness: in pardoning, you step away from evil and adhere to God’s calling. This principle applies universally. Therefore, the essence of evading God’s judgments can be summarized as follows: look around and be attentive to all opportunities for good. The chance to perform good acts that come into your view is essentially God’s call for you to act. To stray from this is to turn against God. The Prophet highlights the importance of abstaining from such deviances by stating: ‘as Thou hast made me law.’ The awareness that in specific instances, God explicitly commands certain good actions serves as a powerful motivator for the devout to refrain from failing to act on those callings. When this awareness strikes, it emits a compelling moral impetus to follow God’s commands. Those who live in reverence of God will not waver from this course, even at the cost of their possessions or life itself.

This resolve springs from deep faith in God’s Providence, which orchestrates the events of our lives, guiding them toward our ultimate salvation. In today’s world, numerous charitable organizations exist. Do not presume that regular contributions absolve you from personal acts of kindness; each has its own significance. While such contributions align with God's will, the most immediate and direct way to fulfill God’s will is through the good before you. Ignoring these opportunities would be to defy God. He has many means through which assistance may be given, and even without your involvement, others will help. Yet, God has chosen you to serve as His hands of mercy in this world. Be careful not to neglect this privilege, as illustrated in the parable of those called to the wedding feast. Recall the Samaritan, who, upon discovering a traveler beaten by robbers, acted without hesitation, doing what he could; for this, he is commended by the Lord and presented as a model for all.

Your law is the object of my deepest devotion and constant reflection; through it, I have become wiser than my enemies, who often rely on mere worldly knowledge, while Your law and its everlasting wisdom are perpetually close to me. I am wiser than those who wish to instruct me with their earthly wisdom and view me as naive, revealing their own misguidance. Ultimately, I possess greater wisdom than the oldest among us, who have only gained experience in temporal matters. My wisdom, born from my love for Your law, guides me to shun evil; practical wisdom teaches me how profoundly precious Your law is to me.