Psalm 119 (118):115Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now listen to his addition: "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It seems to me that this describes the same group of the blessed previously mentioned. To diligently pursue the testimonies of the Lord and seek Him wholeheartedly implies walking blamelessly in His path—upholding the law of the Lord. Then he asserts, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We recognize that those who commit wickedness may superficially examine the testimonies of the Lord; they seek knowledge over righteousness. Others may study the Lord's testimonies, not because they already lead virtuous lives but to learn how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and thus, they have not yet attained blessedness.

It is affirmed in this Psalm, and it is indeed true: "They that do evil, walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, with God’s assistance, as He holds both us and our words (Wisdom 7:16), we must strive to ensure that what is rightly stated is also correctly understood, lest it confound our audience. We must be cautious not to imply that all the saints—whose proclamation is "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 ways of the Lord because sin is a transgression and those who do evil do not tread His paths. Alternatively, if we confidently affirm that they indeed walk in the Lord's ways, one may mistakenly conclude that they have no sin, which is certainly untrue. This statement is not just to prevent arrogance, as it could have simply stated, "Humility is not in us." Rather, the subsequent words illuminate the meaning further and dispel any ambiguity. For after stating this, the blessed John added, "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).

He asks, "Have you accused us of observing Your commandments too stringently?" (Psalm 118:4). Have we placed too great an expectation upon ourselves? Regardless of the interpretation, it seems to challenge the renowned principle praised by the sages of Greece and esteemed by the Romans: "Do nothing in excess." However, the Latin expression occasionally conveys a nuanced meaning, evidenced in Scripture where its usage is profound. In this context, the accusation of maintaining a stringent adherence to Your commandments indicates a deep understanding. When we express to a dear friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply exceeding propriety but rather, deep affection.

"Oh, if my paths could be made straight, that I might keep Your decrees!" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed undertaken the responsibility: if only I could grasp what You have committed to me. Upon hearing this, recognize the intent of the willing heart and, upon perceiving such desire, cast away the arrogance of self-assurance. Who claims to desire what they can achieve on their own without divine assistance? Thus, if one longs for what God mandates, it is essential to seek His help to fulfill those commands.

"And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We should view God's commandments as a mirror when they are spoken or recalled, as the apostle James advises (James 1:23-25). This individual yearns to align himself with God’s commandments, looking at them as in a mirror, without confusion, striving to be not merely a hearer but a doer of the Word. Hence, he seeks to align his paths and adhere to God’s statutes. How can one achieve such straightness except by the grace of God? Otherwise, the law of God will offer confusion rather than joy, should one try to reflect upon the commandments that they do not obey.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, in the direction of my heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not an admission of sins but a proclamation of praise, akin to, "In whom there was no sin, I confess unto You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as noted in Ecclesiasticus: "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He states, "I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, if my paths are made right, I will make a confession unto You, recognizing Your work and giving glory that belongs to You, not to myself.

He continues: "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or as some manuscripts state, "not, even excessively." Although God has forsaken the world amidst the wilderness of sins, He would have completely abandoned it were it not upheld by such a powerful remedy—the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet now, in response to this prayer from the body of Christ, He has not abandoned it even too much; for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Similarly, a warrior, upon encountering his adversary, who trembles with fear is already defeated before the skirmish begins. Entering the noble path of virtue to confront all the threats to salvation, one who lacks the initial spark of courage—or fails to gain it upon entering—is unlikely to finish the journey. Such courage is not the reckless bravado of youthful inexperience, which foolishly underestimates opponents. Rather, it acknowledges the full scope of challenges along the way and evaluates the strengths of adversaries without retreating before them, trusting in God's aid to endure and triumph over them all. It proactively engages with the obstacles, contemplating how to navigate various difficulties and vanquish any foes. This resolve is prepared for all sorts of toil, fatigue, and even suffering, including death itself. It foresees these trials in spirit before confronting them in reality, and if fear does not invade the heart of such a person, he confidently embarks on his journey, welcoming adversity, struggles, and labor. Consequently, when faced with challenges, he encounters them not as unforeseen events but as welcomed opportunities; thus, they do not impact him as his adversaries intend. The courageous individual advances like a ship slicing through turbulent waters. Moral fortitude is innate to humanity because we carry a divine spirit, which is mightier than the aspects of our nature that harbor sin and passions, through which the enemy operates. When someone steps onto the path of virtue, guided by the fear of God and their conscience, they align themselves with the spirit and become participants in its inherent strength and courage. However, as the spirit may sometimes remain hidden, so too can courage, though it exists, be unexpressed until summoned. It is often said in the monastery to contemplate where things originate. In the life of righteousness, this adage applies frequently, much like another: there is no thunder without a cloud. Occasionally, a seemingly weak individual demonstrates such moral strength that it astonishes the mightiest among us. It may not be fair to proclaim to anyone embarking on the path of virtue: “Be of good courage, and let your heart be strengthened” (Psalm 26:14); proceed without fear, for you are stronger than all your foes and more powerful than any hindrance. Take heart; the enemy tries to intimidate you, but step forward with confidence, and he shall vanish.

I detest wickedness and revel in Your law; I ask that even my opposing flesh may be further subdued by Your fear, for in my current, unrestrained state, I ought to be apprehensive before Your judgments; it should not be like this. Crucify my sin-enslaved flesh. I make this plea for crucifixion out of dread of the divine retribution that awaits me if my flesh is not subdued.