Psalm 119 (118):134Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Athanasius, shedding light on these matters, characterizes human slander as the presumptuous and irrational thoughts of heretics and lawless individuals. Therefore, beloved, in accordance with this holy father, let us steer clear of all heresies, particularly those that are currently spreading among us, such as the teachings of the Iconoclasts, the Paulicians, and the Manichaeans. If anyone urges us with the words, ‘Come with us’, let us reject their invitation and depart, as Proverbs instructs (Proverbs 1:11, 15), and avoid walking in their company.

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 new category of the blessed is introduced here; rather, it reiterates the previous sentiment. To delve into the testimonies of the Lord and to earnestly seek Him with one’s whole heart is to embody blamelessness on the path, to walk within the law of the Lord. Then it states, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we recognize that those who commit wrongdoing often scrutinize the testimonies of the Lord, preferring knowledge over righteousness. Some may examine His testimonies not out of a desire to live well, but as a means to learn how they ought to conduct themselves. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly within the law of the Lord, and for this reason, they have not yet attained blessedness.

It is indeed written and acknowledged in this Psalm that “they that do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God's assistance, for the clarity and depth of understanding that what is correctly stated should not lead to confusion for the reader or listener. This caution is necessary so that we do not misunderstand the words of all the saints, who declare, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9). It cannot be suggested that they are incapable of walking in the ways of the Lord since sin is indeed evil; conversely, it is certain that they walk in those ways and yet are not devoid of sin—a notion that is clearly false. Such declarations are made not only to guard against arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would have been articulated differently. The subsequent words provide greater clarity and alleviate any uncertainty: "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 the phrase mean: “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly” (Psalm 118:4)? Have You set an insurmountable standard, or have we missed something? Whatever interpretation we adopt, it appears contrary to the noble and memorable saying admired by the Greeks and praised by the Romans: "Do nothing in excess." The Latin language sometimes employs the term 'nimis' in ways that resonate throughout Scripture, leading us to convey profound meaning in our dialogues. In acknowledging that we are accused of adhering to Your commandments too rigorously, we are led to understand a great deal, especially if we say to a dear friend, “I love you too much,” meaning love is profound rather than excessive.

Oh, if only, he expresses, “my ways would be so straight that I might keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have certainly taken on a significant burden: “O if only I could realize what You have undertaken.” In hearing this, recognize the utterance of one who is willing, and upon recognizing this expression of longing, cast aside any arrogance of presumption. Who can genuinely claim to desire what is within their capacity without divine aid? Therefore, if one truly longs for what God commands, one ought to beseech God to enable them to fulfill His commands.

“I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should consider the commandments of God through the lens of a mirror, much like the apostle James describes (James 1:23-25). This person seeks to be so aligned with God’s commandments that they can view them without confusion, not merely as hearers but as doers. Thus, they endeavor for their paths to be straight and to adhere to God’s statutes. How is one to achieve straightness apart from the grace of God? Otherwise, one may find that engaging with the law of God results not in joy but in bewilderment if they do not actively live out its commandments.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with the sincerity of my heart; with this acknowledgment, I will come to know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This reflection is not a confession of sin but rather an expression of praise; much like when it is stated, “I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as recorded in Ecclesiasticus where it proclaims that the works of God are truly good (Sirach 39:15-16). The psalmist declares, “I confess to You according to the leading of my heart.” Indeed, if my ways are made right, I will express my gratitude to You since it is Your work, and the glory belongs to You, not to me.

He continues, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O do not leave me, even too much!” or as some versions express, “not even excessively.” God indeed withdrew from a world lost in sin, and He would have abandoned it entirely had it not been preserved by such a profound remedy—the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, in alignment with this prayer from the body of Christ, God has not forsaken His creation even to a great degree, for “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

It has been noted that no affliction of the soul is more detrimental than slander, whether concerning faith or life itself; thus it is stated, “Slander overtakes the wise” (Ecclesiastes 7:8). Only those who, like Susanna, truly look to God for deliverance can disregard slander and find comfort and hope for their souls. Theodoret explains that Christ referred to those who endure insults and slander as deserving of honor and blessedness: “Blessed are you when they revile you, and revile you unrighteously for my sake in every way.” He also instructs us to pray to avoid falling into temptation.

The prophet's plea aligns with these teachings; he seeks freedom from slander and, in return, commits to fulfilling God’s commandments as a gesture of gratitude. The magnitude of the gift of deliverance warrants an equally significant response. Moreover, Cyril and Athanasius characterize heretical teachings and the wisdom of this age as slander. Didymus emphasizes that the devil and his evil forces—whose slander we need only to seek God’s deliverance from—should not be classified as true men.

Although a clean conscience serves as a powerful defense against slander, it can waver momentarily under its damaging influence. The support of others, while not a direct source of virtue and should not be relied upon as such, creates a conducive environment for goodness to thrive. The absence of support, or even the presence of negative misinterpretations, can stifle virtue like a frost on spring plants. It is thus understandable why the prophet connects his vow, "and I will keep Thy commandments," with the desire to be free from slander; that is, he seeks to maintain his adherence to the commandments without interruption, making it easier for him to follow God's ways.

To counter the destructive impact of slander on those pursuing goodness, Christ encouraged His followers, stating, "Blessed are ye when they revile you... and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:11-12). Slander has the effect of isolating individuals and instilling a deep sense of loneliness within a crowd. The prophet himself conveyed this feeling, expressing, "I look around, and I see no one familiar, as if all were strangers to me. And what is it? My legs are broken: ‘Flee from me, perish.' Where can a man abandoned by all turn? Nowhere but to heaven. ‘I cry unto Thee, O Lord; I say, Thou art my hope’ (Psalm 141:5-6). In forsaking the world and all it contains, such a person should elevate their aspirations toward the divine, finding solace in the truth of the Lord’s promise: “Blessed are you when they revile you.”

Connecting this reflection with the previous one, where the prophet prays for inner temptations not to overcome him, we can deduce that in his plea for relief from slander, he is also praying for liberation from the harmful consequences that it imposes upon the soul—essentially asking that slander not dominate him, smother his heart, or weaken his resolve for good. Though God possesses the power to silence slander, He does not always choose to do so. Instead, He allows slander to persist while providing solace to the heart of the one wronged, thereby alleviating the peril to the soul that arises when one succumbs to feelings of sorrow and isolation.

Your law possesses wonders of profound wisdom, which is why I seek to explore it eagerly; if Your revelation is granted to anyone, it becomes illuminating within their humble heart. I yearn for such light, hear my plea and grant me insight, provide me with the strength to walk along the straight path of Your commandments, and free me from the burdens placed upon me by my adversaries, making it easier for me to live according to Your law. Bestow upon me the light of grace, for my state is sorrowful. The imagery of gasping for air reflects the inner struggle of the soul striving for the divine breath of life.

Thus, the slander described by the psalmist brings calamity upon individuals—such as loss of property, incarceration, dishonor, and punishment. Figures like Joseph and Daniel faced slander, the apostles experienced significant suffering, and the martyrs shed their blood. Consequently, the holy prophet, seeking freedom from slander, implores the Lord to safeguard him from every false accusation that leads to misfortune, emphasizing his commitment to uphold God's commandments resolutely. The relationship between liberation from slander and observing God's laws becomes evident. To engage in prayer, provide care for the ailing, commit to piety, and exercise other Christian virtues, one requires a tranquil and untroubled heart, free from the dread of misfortune. This is why St. Zacharias, in his words of praise and prophecy, proclaims that the Lord has pledged mercy to the children of Israel, granting those freed from their enemies the ability to serve Him without fear (Luke 1:71).

However, slander, which poses potential trials or other distressing experiences, instills apprehension, robbing our souls of the freedom to ascend towards God and perform those acts of compassion to which our Christian faith calls us. The Church, adhering to the Apostolic directive, has consistently prayed for peace and tranquility, recognizing that such conditions foster a life of godliness. As the Apostle requests, "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people... that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Can you not envision yourself preparing for prayer, ready to attend a holy service, or opening a book about the lives of saints, only to be summoned for a trial regarding false accusations against you? Truly, slander can seize away precious moments that ought to be devoted to God. Is it wise for a person, in their vulnerability, to resort to deceit and call upon God merely to evade persecution? Is it prudent for one to employ inappropriate means in an attempt to shield themselves from slander or false charges? Clearly, slander can lead to an evasion of God's laws.

Moreover, not only does slander that leads to judicial torment hinder our works of devotion, but even if a neighbor unjustly speaks ill of us to others, it can ignite feelings contrary to the Gospel within our souls due to our human frailty. Isn’t it natural to feel anger toward the individual who has wronged us with slander? And is it not reasonable to contemplate retaliation? This marks a divergence from the Gospel spirit. Furthermore, can we truly justify fostering resentment against those who have listened to the slander, growing indifferent to them, and withholding the love and fellowship that Christian charity demands? Such impulses are the very calls of slander that beckon us away from our duty. Even defensively justifying ourselves against slander doesn’t align with the image of Him who modeled righteousness—who did not retaliate against those who insulted Him, as He bore suffering without despair (1 Peter 2:23).

This remains insufficient! If the devil instills slanderous thoughts against a brother in your heart, know that often your brother may hear those illicit whispers, losing peace, which in turn weakens their resolve in godly endeavors. Is it not true that a Christian, as a soldier or ascetic, ought to be prepared to face all adversities, standing resiliently upon the firm foundation of God’s commandments without fear? Indeed, that is what holy prophets, apostles, and martyrs exemplified. However, in this conviction, St. David embraced a spirit of humility, imparting within us an awareness of human frailty. What does this imply? Frequently, those inexperienced in the Christian struggle might conquer a minor foe and presume readiness for all trials ahead, believing no hardship could deter them from their Savior. Yet, when they face unforeseen challenges, their faith wavers, love diminishes, and they nearly falter. The prophet, perhaps through personal experience, recognized this vulnerability in humanity and left us a prayer that reflects our nature's frailty and God's boundless grace.

"Lord! I acknowledge my instability, swayed by the winds of circumstances; my faith can be but a flickering candle, easily extinguished by the slightest rain. I fear encountering temptation and, in moments of weakness, departing from Your commandments to avoid human persecution. Therefore, I beseech You, deliver me from every trial and grave tribulation; shield my life with peace, and thus I may faithfully fulfill Your commandments." Do not allow your heart to stray towards the lofty aspirations of martyrs or the austere lives of hermits, who lived without rest or sustenance; rather, pray as the Lord taught us, entrusting yourself to be rescued from all evil and misfortune, so you can more readily adhere to God’s commandments.

It is important to note that David sought deliverance from the slander of men while not necessarily requesting freedom from all divine chastisement. Why? The troubles stemming from human defamation and those sent by God ultimately affect our spirituality differently. We submissively endure illnesses through which the Lord tests our faith. The weakest among us might not rebel against the Lord, while those more advanced in spiritual maturity recognize that God's discipline is always tempered by mercy in light of their sins. For those who possess the highest degrees of love and grace, tribulation becomes a source of sweetness, redirecting them from worldly distractions and deepening their yearning for the Lord.

Conversely, the adversities inflicted by others through slander often provoke resentment toward them, cooling love and stirring conflict, thus robbing the soul of peace and leading it into spiritual decline. The prophet would prefer to fall into the hands of God rather than those of man. However, when the prophet petitions for deliverance from slander, seeking relief from human oppression, it does not imply a request contrary to the Christian calling. He did not seek peace merely to live in complacency; rather, he desired tranquility to fervently strive for the glory of the Lord God. The Apostle articulates this intent in affirming our call to live a peaceful and godly life.

Let us take heed for our growth: if slander poses such peril to our neighbor and is so abhorrent to righteous living, it highlights the grievousness of sin on the soul of the one who speaks slander. There are various degrees of sin expressed in words; however, slander stands as one of the gravest. Indeed, slander is already sinful, a harmful utterance, with lying constituting a more severe sin. When deceit is deliberate, it reaches the level of mortal sin. Similar in severity to lies are flattery and insincere praise; further up the scale is gossip, while the apex is slander. There is a distinction between gossip and slander; we slander others when we attribute unjust dishonor to them or fabricate falsehoods about their actions.

Ultimately, the entire existence and work of the devil constitutes the most dreadful sin against the Lord; indeed, he embodies slander itself, being the first to malign the Lord, and his deceitful words have led to countless sins and afflictions afflicting humankind. Therefore, pray not only to be freed from the slander of men, but even more that your own lips may be safeguarded against uttering slanderous words. If another's success incites envy within you, resist the urge to tarnish their reputation; instead, honor their capabilities. Should you hold unfavorable knowledge of them, choose silence rather than spreading it further. Amen.