Consider now what follows: "Blessed are they who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that this definition of the blessed pertains solely to those previously mentioned. To examine the Lord's testimonies and to seek Him wholeheartedly signifies walking blamelessly along the path. Then he declares, "For those who do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we are aware that individuals engaged in wrongdoing may study the Lord's testimonies, as they prioritize knowledge over righteousness. Others may scrutinize His testimonies not out of a desire to live righteously but to discern how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord and, consequently, have not arrived at true blessedness...
It is written clearly in this psalm: "Those who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God's assistance, in whose hands we, along with our utterances, reside (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly expressed is also properly understood, so that it does not mislead the reader or listener. We must be cautious so that none of the saints, whose words convey, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), are misunderstood as failing to walk in the Lord's ways, since sin is indeed evil, and those who engage in evil do not walk in His paths. Alternatively, since it is clear they do walk in the ways of the Lord, it must not be construed that they are without sin, which is undoubtedly false. This admonition is not merely intended to guard against arrogance and pride, as otherwise it would have concluded by stating, "Humility is not in us," rather than adding, "And truth is not in us." The subsequent words clarify the intent and dispel any doubt: for after making this point, the beloved John states, "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, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you overcharged us or taken too much? Regardless of how we interpret this, it seems contrary to that noble sentiment which both Greeks and Latins extol—the idea of moderation. Yet, the Latin language sometimes employs "nimis" to denote a strong sentiment, as seen in Scripture and meaningful in our discussions. Thus, your accusation of us keeping your commandments excessively can lead us to a greater understanding; and if we say to a dear friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply an excess, but rather a deep affection.
Oh, if, he exclaims, my ways might become so straight that I could steadfastly keep Your decrees (Psalm 118:5). You have truly taken upon Yourself this challenge; oh, if only I could realize the weight You bear. When you hear this, recognize the yearning within; having acknowledged this desire, cast aside the arrogance of presumption. For who claims to desire what is in their capacity to achieve without assistance? Therefore, if one desires to fulfill God's commands, one must earnestly pray for divine help to do so...
"And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). When God's commandments are proclaimed or recalled, we should regard them as a mirror, as articulated by the apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual strives to align themselves so that they can view God's commandments clearly and without confusion since they choose to not merely hear them but actively do them. Consequently, they desire their paths to be straight in order to adhere faithfully to God's statutes. How can one achieve straightness without the grace of God? Otherwise, the law of God will not bring joy but rather confusion if one looks into the commandments without commitment.
"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 is not a confession of sin but rather one of praise; as it is said, "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25) and as written in Ecclesiasticus: "Confess all the works of God, for they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). I confess to You, he asserts, as guided by my heart. Indeed, if my ways are made right, I will confess to You, for it is You who has accomplished this, and hence the praise belongs to You alone...
He continues: "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). Yet what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or as certain manuscripts state, "Not even excessively." For God has not abandoned the world in its wilderness of sins; had it not been for the profound remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, He would have done so. Therefore, in response to the prayer of Christ's body, God has not abandoned it even slightly, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19)...
THEOSIS