Psalm 119 (118):155Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider what follows: "Blessed are they who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that this praises the same group as before. Diligently examining the testimonies of the Lord and earnestly seeking Him is synonymous with being blameless in the way; it is to walk in His law. He then adds, "For they who do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We recognize that those who practice iniquity often examine His testimonies—not out of a commitment to righteousness but in pursuit of knowledge. They do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and thus, they are not truly blessed.

It is affirmed in this psalm: "They who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we must pay careful attention with God’s aid, for it is in His hands that both we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16). We must strive to prevent misunderstandings in what is rightly said, lest readers or listeners be confounded. It could lead one to think that all the saints, whose words assert, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), somehow do not walk in the ways of the Lord. Yet, it is clear that they do walk in His paths, and thus the notion that they have no sin—though also false—arises from the desire to avoid arrogance and pride. To clarify, blessed John further instructs, "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 an excessive sum, or left too much owing? Regardless of our interpretation, the sentiment appears to stand in contrast to the wise proverb praised by both Greeks and Latins alike: "Do nothing in excess." Yet, in Latin, the word 'nimis' is often utilized in ways that find resonance in Scripture and our everyday dialogue. When we express love for a dear friend saying, "I love thee too much," we mean it in profound measure rather than implying an excessive sentiment.

"Oh, if only my ways were steadfast, that I might keep Your decrees!" (Psalm 118:5). Here lies a recognition of the burden one bears—an acknowledgment of what he yearns for. In encountering this plea, be aware of the earnest desire expressed, and let go of the arrogance of presumption. Who can claim they ardently desire that which is within their grasp without divine assistance? Therefore, in aspiring to fulfill God's commands, one ought to implore God for the strength to fulfill what He commands.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). When the commandments of God are read or recalled, we should behold them like a mirror, as the Apostle James instructs (James 1:23-25). This individual longs to reflect God's commandments without confusion, desiring not just to hear but to act upon them. This is why he seeks straight paths and adherence to God's statutes; yet how can one become straight without the grace of God? Without grace, one will find the law of God a source of confusion rather than joy if they do not embrace His commandments.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with the direction of my heart; in this, I will know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This is not merely a confession of sins, but an expression of praise, akin to the acknowledgment, "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), as reflected in the book of Ecclesiasticus: "Confess all the works of God that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). The speaker intends to confess based on the alignment of their heart, affirming that if they are made right, it is due to God's work in them, leading to praise of Him alone.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). What follows? "O leave me not"—whether understood as an assertion of excessive demand or something similar. Since God had not abandoned the world amidst its sins without providing a powerful remedy, the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ sustains it. Thus, according to this prayer from the body of Christ, God did not abandon the world excessively, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

The admonition is clear: it is not salvation that evades them, but they who turn away from it. The question arises—why is this the case? It is because they fail to seek Your justification, which, according to Didymus, would provide them with the means for salvation and a call to repentance. Thus, their loss of true salvation is not without cause; rather, it stems from their unwillingness to embrace the righteous judgments of God and to be prepared here and now. Therefore, not all sinners stand far from God’s salvation—only those who do not earnestly seek His justification.

For those without it, salvation remains distant; yet for those who possess it, salvation is imminently near. This is the message the prophet conveys by way of contrast, as noted by St. Augustine.

The pursuit of justification is not merely an intellectual exercise; rather, it represents the beginning of a deeper preparation. To seek is to both understand and to act. When a traveler in a wilderness discerns a genuine path, he immediately commits to it and continues forward until he encounters another junction. Upon choosing a new path, he progresses onward without hesitation. Similarly, in moral life, the contemplation of righteousness serves merely as a starting point; true life is found in acting upon those reflections. Only those who embody this principle draw nearer to salvation, while those who merely ponder without taking action bear resemblance to an individual who, seated in comfort, drafts itineraries. Discussing what is noble is beneficial, yet the actual engagement in noble pursuits is far more crucial. While the broad tenets of integrity are generally understood and articulated, the challenge often lies in their specific application to individual situations; furthermore, it is likely that such cases should often resolve themselves, as inherent logic and conscience guide us.

Presently, the appropriate assessments become apparent, so that generally little labor or intricate reasoning is required unless confronted with exceptionally complex circumstances. The focus should be on the inner realities; however, some individuals, in opposition to divine justification, are ensnared by flawed reasoning—not through the depth of their arguments, but due to an innate sympathy for their standpoint that lends it undue weight, regardless of its emptiness. Once such reasoning emerges, sound logic falters and paths become misaligned. To counter this, one must cultivate a fervent zeal for what is right, which will act as a stronghold against all conflicting notions, ensuring that one’s course remains just. An honest person, upon receiving even a gentle suggestion of dishonor, instinctively reacts with indignation, refusing to entertain such thoughts. Likewise, one who possesses fervor for moral integrity remains undeterred by opposing arguments. This diligent endeavor constitutes the essence of justification, while the ongoing study and examination serve merely as supportive actions.

Why, then, is living according to God’s justifications often not realized? It is because earnestness is lacking despite an abundance of knowledge. Hence, the prophet rightly emphasizes the pursuit of justification as a fundamental condition for a life of salvation. Absent this pursuit, the flow of such a life is obstructed.

Despite numerous persecutions, I hold firmly to Your law, and I am disheartened when my adversaries transgress it; for the sake of my devotion to Your law, come to my aid. Your promises are unwavering and eternal. The beginning, or the principal substance, is the foundation that governs all else, serving as its agent, principle, essence, and soul.