Psalm 119 (118):104Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

"Out of Thy commandments have I obtained understanding," which can be interpreted as acknowledging that we have embraced Your commandments and comprehended them, leading us to detest all paths of injustice. These commandments proclaim, “You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor; you shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Ex. 20:13-17). "You shall not charge interest to your brother, whether on money or food" (Deuteronomy 23:19). These divine commandments, which we hear every day through the reading of the holy Gospel and the teachings of the apostles, urge us to reject every form of injustice. All sins and every kind of evil are encompassed within this concept of unrighteousness, for which the wrath of God is directed at the children of men, more accurately referred to as the children of disobedience. Be vigilant against them, dear brethren, and stand firm in the will of God. In doing so, God will bestow upon you abundant mercies and blessings, for He is our Savior.

Next, listen to what follows: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It seems that no different group of the blessed is referred to here than the one already stated. To examine the Lord's testimonies and earnestly seek Him is indeed to be blameless on the path, truly walking in the law of the Lord. Then it is added, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we recognize that those engaged in wickedness may investigate the testimonies of the Lord, preferring knowledge over righteousness; and others explore these testimonies not to live righteously, but to learn how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and for that reason, they are not yet blessed.

It is stated clearly in this Psalm: “They that do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). We must earnestly strive, with the grace of God, who holds both us and our words (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is accurately stated is not misunderstood, causing confusion to the reader or hearer. We must be cautious not to presume that all saints—who affirm, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9)—cannot walk in the Lord’s ways, since sin is wicked, and the wicked do not walk in His paths. Or, if it is accepted that they do walk in the ways of the Lord, they might be erroneously thought to be without sin, which is certainly false. This statement is not made solely to guard against pride and arrogance; otherwise, those words, “And truth is not in us,” would not have been added. Moreover, John provides clarity in the next lines: "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: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly" (Psalm 118:4)? Have you demanded too great a sum or left too much unaddressed? Regardless of our understanding, it appears contrary to the esteemed wisdom revered by the Greeks and praised by the Latins: "Do nothing excessively.” However, the Latin language sometimes employs the term "nimis" in a way that emphasizes the significant meaning found in Scripture and our conversations. In the context of this passage, to be accused of adhering too strictly to Your commandments indeed conveys a deep understanding; it’s akin to expressing to a cherished friend, "I love you too much," not indicating excess, but profound affection.

“Oh, if my ways would be made so straight that I may keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken upon Yourself this weight, and I can only wish to realize the heaviness of what You have embraced. When you hear such words, recognize the earnestness of this request and, upon recognizing the heartfelt desire, cast aside any prideful presumption. For who can claim to desire sincerely what lies within their reach without divine assistance? Thus, if one desires to fulfill what God commands, one must earnestly pray for God to bestow the grace to live out those commands.

“I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We ought to view God’s commandments when read or recalled as we would look into a mirror, as the apostle James instructs (James 1:23-25). This individual yearns to be such that they can reflect upon God’s commandments as in a mirror without confusion, aspiring not merely to listen but to act upon them. For this reason, one desires their paths to be straight in order to adhere to the statutes set forth by God. How can one achieve straight paths if not through the grace of God? Otherwise, they would find the law of God a source of confusion rather than joy if they dare to gaze into the commandments, which they fail to embrace.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with the direction of my heart; in this I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This passage signifies not a confession of sin but a declaration of praise, akin to acknowledging, “In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25) and as it states in Ecclesiasticus, “so confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). “I confess to You,” he proclaims, in alignment with the desires of my heart. In truth, if my ways are made right, I will confess to You, for it is Your work, and it is Your praise, not mine.

He continues: “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). What follows this declaration? “O leave me not, even too much!” or as some texts convey, “not excessively.” Since God abandoned the world in its wilderness of sins, it would have been utterly forsaken if not for the powerful remedy of grace bestowed through our Lord Jesus Christ; however, in response to the plea of Christ’s body, He did not forsake it even too much, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

It’s essential to recognize that affinity for carnal and self-indulgent desires may linger in a person’s heart even after conversion and efforts to purify the soul. Initially, one’s inclinations might lean heavily toward their former life of passion, though suppressed by a strong resolve. Eventually, though, a growing affection for righteousness will emerge, eventually supplanting the draw of sinful desires. When this transition occurs, any remaining appetite for the carnal ceases, and the soul begins to reject these temptations. As the holy fathers have stated, this renunciation marks the beginning of heart purification. This aligns with the prophet’s words: “every one hated the way of unrighteousness.” How does this come about? The prophet suggests, “I understood from Thy commandments”; by realizing that to live according to God’s directives is essential and rewarding, one finds joy in them. This realization and newfound affection engender a loathing for unrighteousness.

This represents the culmination of the soul’s healing and the eradication of its flaws. St. Basil the Great taught that a sure sign of a purified heart is an abhorrence of sin. He similarly asserted that a true indication of sin’s forgiveness is found in that hatred of wrongdoing. St. Barsonophius concurs, indicating that any lingering affection for sinful pursuits signifies an impure soul. He likens these sinful inclinations to pus in a wound, suggesting that just as a wound cannot heal until all pus is expelled, the soul remains wounded as long as there is any attachment to sin.

This reveals an important lesson: it is perilous to presume one is on a righteous path simply by avoiding outwardly sinful actions. There may be times when circumstances dictate abstaining from wrongdoing, yet malicious thoughts can still reside within the heart. Since God perceives a person's worth through the intentions of their heart, it is vital to accurately assess one’s inner life and expectations. Do not boast of your outward righteousness without examining the true state of your heart. Saint Macarius asserts that if you have delved into the depths of your heart and slain the serpent that lurks within, then you may have something to take pride in; however, mere visible good deeds hold little merit without inner transformation. Many will stand before God’s judgment, only to hear Him say, “We do not see you,” despite being deemed diligent by themselves and those around them.

Your law is the focus of my deepest affection and continual reflection; through it, I have become wiser than my foes, who are often misled by their worldly wisdom, while Your law and its eternal understanding are always accessible to me. I am more knowledgeable than those around me, including those who attempt to share their worldly insight and regard me as lacking vision, revealing themselves as my supposed teachers. Ultimately, I possess greater wisdom than the most seasoned individuals, who have merely acquired knowledge of temporal matters. My understanding, rooted in my love for Your law, guides me to shun evil; practical wisdom demonstrates how infinitely precious Your law must be to me.