Psalm 119 (118):13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now consider the continuation: "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their hearts" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no other category of the blessed is indicated here apart from those previously mentioned. To delve into the Lord’s testimonies and to earnestly seek Him embodies a blameless walk in His law. Then it states, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). It is evident that those who engage in wrongdoing may scrutinize the Lord’s testimonies, often choosing knowledge over righteousness. Likewise, others might explore His testimonies not out of a commitment to virtuous living but rather to learn how to live rightly. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and for this reason, they are still not blessed.

The truth is expressed in this psalm: "They that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God's assistance, in whose hands we and our words are, as stated in Wisdom 7:16, that what is accurately said is not misunderstood by readers or listeners. We must be cautious not to suggest 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), might not be thought to walk in the Lord's ways since sin is evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His paths. Or, if we acknowledge that they indeed walk in His ways, we might mistakenly consider them sinless, which is clearly untrue. This caution is not merely to avoid arrogance; if it were, it wouldn’t also state, "And the truth is not in us," but rather, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words elucidate the meaning and dispel any uncertainty. After stating this, the 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 is meant by: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you taken on too great a burden? Or perhaps left something undone? Regardless of how we interpret this, the implication seems to contrast with the esteemed principle that both Greeks and Latins uphold: "Do nothing in excess." Nevertheless, the Latin language can sometimes use "nimis" in a sense reflected in Scripture, and employed in our discussions as particularly significant. In this context, "you have accused us of excessive adherence to Your commandments" suggests a deeper understanding; expressing "I love you too much" to a dear friend does not denote an improper degree but indicates profound affection.

"Oh, if," he longs, "my ways were so established that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed accepted responsibility; may I come to understand what You, O Lord, have taken upon Yourself. When you hear this, recognize the longing behind the words, and having identified the expression of desire, let go of presumptuous pride. For no one can sincerely desire what is within their power to accomplish without divine assistance. Therefore, if one wishes to fulfill what God commands, one should pray for God’s help in enabling adherence to those commands.

"And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to view the commandments of God, either when they are proclaimed or when they come to mind, as one gazes into a mirror, as the apostle James writes (James 1:23-25). This individual aims to see himself in such a manner that he views God’s commandments through the reflection of his own life without confusion, because he is not only a spectator of them but a practitioner. For this reason, he earnestly aims for his ways to be straight and to uphold God’s statutes. But how can one achieve straightness except through the grace of God? Otherwise, he will discover in God’s law a source of dread rather than joy, should he choose not to embrace its commandments.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with an upright heart; in this, I will discern the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession isn't one of sins, but rather of praise, echoing the sentiment found in Matthew's Gospel: "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and similarly, it's written in Ecclesiasticus: "So confess all the works of God, that they are exceedingly good" (Sirach 39:15-16). He asserts his intent to confess according to the guidance of his heart. Indeed, if my path is aligned rightly, I will praise You, for You are responsible for it, and it is Your glory, not mine.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8)... But what follows? "O leave me not entirely!" or, as some versions read, "Not excessively, do not forsake me." Since God distanced Himself from the world amid its sins, had it not been for the strong remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, He would have forsaken it to a far greater extent. Nevertheless, in this prayer from the body of Christ, God did not abandon the world even excessively, for "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

If the matters concerning God captured the attention of the righteous in the Old Testament, how much greater should our focus be as Christians, especially now that God has profoundly unveiled His presence through the incarnation of His Word and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, whose work manifests through the faith of believers? Yet, is this truly the case? When significant events occur in our daily or civic lives, we readily engage in conversations about them—even if they hold no personal relevance to us. In stark contrast, the wondrous act of salvation prepared by God, which requires engagement from each of us, often goes unmentioned. Traverse an entire city purposely, and you might not hear a single word on the matter, and should you attempt to introduce it into conversation, you may find others diverting the topic altogether. Thus, if we adhere to the principle that one's speech reflects the abundance of the heart, we might infer that our hearts are devoid of the acknowledgment of God’s work, rendering it unremarked within us. What significance does our baptism hold then? What of our repeated confessions and participation in the Holy Mysteries? What meaning do our visits to God’s houses and our prayers carry? It is indeed a disgrace, indicating a lack of acceptance. Yet, a ruler engaged in governance, surrounded by high society, finds no shame in discussing the deeds of God and proclaiming His decrees. If God Himself was unashamed to voice His judgments for our benefit, how can we hesitate in our proclamation? A person of minor significance may speak freely, and we often quote their words, while the divine declarations seem unworthy of repetition among us. Have we reached a stage where even the devout shy away from mentioning God's judgments around us, as if casting pearls before swine? Nonetheless, there exists no richer, more comforting, or uplifting subject for discussion than the truths declared by God—everything the Lord has affirmed for our salvation, including Christ the Saviour’s works, the holy Apostles’ missions, the Church’s journey, and the lives of those who have glorified God through their faith and actions. These are the topics that should fill our conversations as believers! Imagine the transformative power that could arise from such discussions for the personal growth of individuals and the broader community! Words are incredibly powerful; they leave a profound impact on both the speaker and the listener. They plant seeds of thought that can lead to intentions and, ultimately, actions. Words can serve as the catalyst for relationships, either fortifying good or destabilizing it. Negative speech diminishes the good and cultivates a pathway to evil. Even idle chatter, though seeming inconsequential, bears fruit; it empties the soul, rendering it unproductive. Thus, the apostle’s admonition is clear: we must be cautious not to use corrupt speech (Eph. 4:29) and offend the Holy Spirit, who marked us on the day of our redemption.

As a youthful, inexperienced individual, if I aim to walk before You righteously, that is, along the straight path, I must faithfully obey Your commandments; this is my sincere desire; only please do not withdraw Your grace from me. Your commandments serve as a cure for sin and occupy my heart; teach me, O great God, to understand them increasingly. I speak of them freely, for they mean more to me than anything else; I will gladly meditate upon them always.

To keep straight means to ensure not to wander; from Hebrew: ‘shall keep pure.’ It shall not be denied, as in the loss of the grace that enables obedience to Your commandments; with Hebrew: ‘let me not depart from Your commandments.’ Your testimonies are Your divine commandments, through which You have revealed Yourself to Israel and declared Your holy will; the path of these testimonies signifies life according to Your commandments; I delight in the life principles found in Your testimonies. I will ponder them zealously.