Psalm 119 (118):158Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He further advises against fellowship with anyone who, despite being identified as a brother, persists in immoral behavior, whether as a fornicator, a thief, an idolater, an evildoer, a drunkard, or a swindler; with such individuals, we should not even share a meal (1 Cor. 5:11).

Now pay heed to what follows: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears to me that no other group of the blessed is implied here besides the one already mentioned. For to examine the Lord’s testimonies and wholeheartedly seek Him is to be blameless in one's journey, to walk in the law of the Lord. He further states, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet it is evident that those who commit iniquity scrutinize the Lord’s testimonies, seeking knowledge over righteousness; others too inquire into His testimonies, not because they already live righteously, but to learn how they ought to live. These do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and thus they remain outside the realm of blessedness.

It is indeed written and echoed in this Psalm: “They that do evil walk not in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we ought to strive, with God’s help, in whose hands we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), that what is rightly proclaimed is also rightly comprehended, lest it confound the reader or listener. We must be cautious to avoid thinking that all the saints, whose words declare, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), cannot be regarded as walking in the ways of the Lord, since sin is evil and those who commit evil do not walk in His ways. Alternatively, if we acknowledge that they walk in His ways, then it must not be concluded that they have no sin, which is certainly false. This is not merely to guard against arrogance and pride; else it would not conclude with, “And truth is not in us,” but would instead have stated, “Humility is not in us.” The subsequent words provide clarity and remove doubts, for after declaring 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).

What does it imply to say, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly” (Psalm 118:4)? Have you demanded too much from us, or have we withheld too much? Regardless of how we interpret this, the sentiment appears to contrast strikingly with that esteemed principle praised by Greek philosophers and unanimously celebrated by the Latins, “Do nothing in excess.” The Latin language sometimes employs the term "nimis" in a manner that resonates deeply within Scripture and our conversations. In this context, when accused of adhering too rigorously to Your commandments, we grasp a significant understanding; for when we tell a beloved friend, “I love you too much,” we do not intend to communicate an excessive love but a profound one.

“Oh, if only,” he expresses, “my ways could be made straight, that I might keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, you have taken upon Yourself the burden: “Oh, if I could fully realize what you have accepted.” Upon hearing this, recognize the words of one who is willing; upon recognizing the expression of desire, cast aside any presumption. Who claims to desire wholeheartedly what lies within their power without assistance? Therefore, if one yearns to fulfill God's commands, they ought to pray for God to grant them the strength to do so.

“And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should regard God’s commandments when they are proclaimed or when they come to mind, as mirrors, as the apostle James notes (James 1:23-25). This person aspires to be such that they can view the commandments of God without confusion, choosing to be not just a hearer but a doer of the Word. Hence, they desire their paths to be straight in order to uphold God's statutes. How can one achieve this except through God's grace? Otherwise, they will find in God’s law not a source of joy but of bewilderment if they seek to inspect commandments they do not intend to follow.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, in alignment with my heart; in this I shall discern the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not of sins but a tribute; as He stated, “In whom there was no sin, I confess unto Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25) and as noted in the book of Ecclesiasticus: “So confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He professes, “I confess to You, guided by my heart.” Indeed, when my paths align with Your ways, I will proclaim this to You, for it is Your work and merits, not mine.

He continues, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “Oh, do not leave me, even if it seems excessive!” or, as some translations render, “Do not forsake me too much.” Nevertheless, since God withdrew from the world engulfed in sin, He would have left far more had it not been for the potent remedy, that is, the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ; now, according to this supplication from the body of Christ, He forsook it not even to an excessive degree, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Nevertheless, his second appeal to God's mercy is ultimately more profound than the first, as it transcends mere adherence to the commandments; for, as the Apostle states, no one is justified by the deeds of the law (Galatians 2:16). Consider the explanation found in Psalm 102: "He who crowns you with mercy and goodness" (Psalm 102:4).

Athanasius remarked that upon witnessing folly, he was stirred with zeal out of piety. Similarly, the blessed Paul grieved for the Jews, the Lord Himself wept for Jerusalem, and the prophet Jeremiah lamented the people's transgressions. Theodora noted that a righteous person ought to mourn for every lawless individual, especially for those who have made covenants with God pertaining to various aspects of life or faith, such as purity, marital fidelity, or self-restraint, yet still violate the law and fail to uphold God's teachings.

"I call upon Your presence, Lord, that You may see how I keep Your commandments; I have observed them consistently, not out of obligation or coercion, but with genuine love, earnest intent, and tenderness. This observation and judgment can only be made by You, the One who knows all intentions. According to the words of Bezimenny, others might follow Your laws out of frustration or obligation; yet it is the hallmark of the perfect individual to fulfill them driven by love. Although it is said that the one who acts willingly is considered blessed by the law of the Lord, love surpasses mere will. Despite affirming my love for Your commandments, I still require Your grace to live for You; for whatever actions a person takes, they remain in need of Your grace.

One who truly loves God must also love their neighbors. A person who cherishes virtue cannot stand by with indifference while witnessing others blatantly disregard the sacred law of God. The prophet attests that upon observing this, he melted away like wax before the fire's heat. This is the essence of love for God: it does not only restrain oneself from actions displeasing to Him, but it fervently desires that all brothers and sisters also walk in those righteous paths, thus bringing comfort to God and inviting His grace upon everyone.

The prophet does not specify what action should be taken by those who cherish God’s commandments when they see them overlooked. Instead, he turns his heart towards God, expressing how deeply troubling it is that His clear and exacting words are so widely ignored. Isn't this a profound way to demonstrate commitment to upright conduct? Live righteously, setting aside personal gratification, and when you observe others neglecting God's word, let your heart be heavy with sorrow and voice your anguish to God, pleading for His intervention to awaken the foolish.

Teach and guide through one’s own life, but defer to those called to communicate God’s word verbally, while entrusting the enforcement of moral standards to those empowered to do so, praying fervently that God Himself would safeguard His creation. Such conduct is not apathy, even if it may appear as such, but rather an exercise in wisdom. You may initiate action, yet instead of making a positive impact, you risk worsening the situation. It is far wiser to pray that the Lord may send forth laborers into His harvest.

However, when it comes to the community, those entrusted with the word and those with authority bear responsibility; the former must raise their voices clearly, while the latter must wield their authority as a means of defending against wrongdoing. This responsibility lies not only with civil authorities but also with a father in relation to his children, a husband to his wife, a master to his household, elders to the youth, and instructors to their students. Likewise, the task of conveying God’s truth is shared by all who grasp the message and are compelled to share it humbly, either through speech or writing.

We are surrounded by numerous writers. If each of them wrote only the truth, would anyone dare to act or speak unrighteously? Their clarion voices would resound, rallying all to engage in virtuous battles, instilling fear in those reluctant to comply, preventing their emergence. Iniquity and malice would not boldly roam about but would retreat to remote desolation and hiding places, much like mute birds.

In my time of trouble, sustain me, but regarding those who transgress Your law—my enemies who scorn it—you will not provide assistance. Revive me by Your great mercy. Despite numerous persecutions, I cling to Your law and feel anguish when my foes violate it; for this reason, help me in my dedication to Your statutes. Your promises are reliable and unchanging.

The beginning, or first principle, is the foundation and essence of all that exists, the prevailing force that governs all things, serving as its agent, principle, and lifeblood.