Psalm 119 (118):31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, consider the addition: "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their hearts" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no alternate group of the blessed is referenced here besides those previously mentioned. To diligently examine the Lord's testimonies and genuinely seek Him aligns with being blameless on the journey and walking in His law. He further states, "For those who do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we are aware that evildoers do scrutinize the testimonies of the Lord, often valuing knowledge over righteousness. Others likewise investigate these testimonies not because they exemplify good living, but to learn how they should live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord and thus have not attained blessedness.

It is written in this Psalm, and remains true: "Those who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). With God’s assistance, in whose hands both we and our words lie (Wisdom 7:16), we must strive to ensure that truths spoken are not misinterpreted, causing confusion for readers or listeners. We must take care not to suggest that all the saints, who state, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), do not walk in the Lord's paths, given that sin is wrong and those engaged in wrongdoing do not follow His ways. Alternatively, since it is clear they do walk in His ways, it cannot be asserted they are sinless, which is undoubtedly incorrect. This is not merely a caution against pride and arrogance, for if it were, the phrase "and truth is not in us" would instead have read, "humility is not in us." The context of the words that follow brings greater clarity and dispels any potential doubt. 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).

What does it mean when the psalmist says, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded too much, or have we fallen short? Regardless of how we interpret this, the meaning seems to contradict the renowned and virtuous wisdom acclaimed by both Greeks and Latins alike, which advises, “Do nothing excessively.” Yet, the Latin tongue occasionally uses the word "nimis" in such a way that it appears in Scripture, lending it significant weight in our discussions. In this context, when we hear "you have accused us of adhering to your commandments too fervently," we might grasp this sentiment much more profoundly; for if one were to say to a dearly loved friend, "I love you too much," it would not imply excessive love but a profound amount.

The psalmist expresses a yearning: "Oh, if my ways were made straight, that I may keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, you have accepted this burden; if only I could fully comprehend what you have undertaken for us! When you hear this, recognize the fervent desire conveyed, and upon understanding such longing, let go of presumptuous pride. For who claims they desire something within their power to achieve on their own? If one wishes to attain that which God commands, one must implore God to enable them to fulfill those commands.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We should view God's commandments when they are spoken or recalled, akin to looking into a mirror, as the apostle James illustrates (James 1:23-25). This person aspires to reflect God’s commandments in their life and not feel confusion because they strive not merely to hear them but to act upon them. This is why they desire their paths to be straight and to observe God's statutes. How can one's path be made straight, if not through God’s grace? Otherwise, the law of God may yield confusion rather than joy when they examine the commandments that they fail to embrace.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with all my heart; in this I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not of sin, but of praise; as He states, "In whom there is no sin, I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25). Similarly, it is written in Ecclesiasticus: "Confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). The psalmist declares, "I confess to You, according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, if my ways are aligned, my confession will be directed towards You, acknowledging Your greatness, for it’s Your work and not my own that deserves praise.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what comes next? "Do not forsake me too much!" or as some versions express, "even too much." Despite the world being abandoned in sin’s wilderness, God would have turned away entirely were it not for such a potent remedy, namely, the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, according to this prayer from the body of Christ, He has not forsaken it too entirely; for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Ultimately, wrath and frustration envelop the entirety of one’s passions. This transformation signifies the severance of all connections binding the heart to sin. This detachment from sin does not occur in isolation; it is always accompanied by a deep attachment to the opposing good. Both elements coexist, and their strength is mutually reflective. The heart is inherently drawn toward attachment: in rejecting one thing, it inevitably latches onto another, creating a reciprocal relationship between attachment and renunciation that is difficult to discern. Therefore, when all affinities towards sin are expelled from the heart—evidenced by a rising anger against sinful matters—there simultaneously emerges a complete devotion to all that is good. An elder was once asked how one can tell if their sins are forgiven, to which he replied: “By the fact that he hates them.” This same insight is affirmed by Basil the Great. If this animosity coexists with a commitment to goodness, anyone who can confidently claim adherence to all things good may indeed trust that their sins have been absolved. The weight of penance has been lifted.

In ancient narratives, we find that a person who had greatly sinned, upon their repentance and confession to the elders, sought healing. The elders would then guide them to a private cell, instruct them in the rules, and secure them there. After a set period, penance produced its outcome, and the penitent would hear a voice proclaim: “The Lord has accepted your repentance; your sins are forgiven.” This inner assurance occurs similarly for anyone who has forsaken sin and earnestly sought the presence of God. Not externally, but internally, they must perceive the reassurances from above in their conscience that their sins have been forgiven, and such individuals will not feel shame. St. Ambrose articulates this point, stating: “He who, despite having committed many shameful acts, seeks forgiveness from Christ the Lord will not be ashamed, for to him it is said: ‘Your sins are forgiven; go in peace.’” They will not experience shame when the removal of sins is achieved through action, when not only sin but the very desire for sin is eradicated, when the truth dispels all wrongdoing, courage dispels fear, and temperance quells impurities—such that the forgiveness of sins is not temporary but everlasting. Christ will dwell within your soul; Jesus will inhabit your mind, and sin will find no space in the sanctuary of your heart. St. Ambrose's remarks draw our focus towards the age to come, before the judgment seat of God. Blessed Anfim of Jerusalem articulates this truth more plainly: “Whoever remains steadfastly in the presence of God will not face disgrace from the Lord on the day of judgment." Here, the plea, "Do not put me to shame," embodies the unwavering confidence of the believer who has diligently labored: “You will not put me to shame, O Lord.” Such assuredness is integral to the spirit of salvation; without it, the journey of salvation cannot commence, let alone persist. It began in its infancy and is now maturing.

If it is indeed so that the soul bears the marks of sin and passionate inclinations, that it can be unveiled and seen by those who are able to discern its state without specific instruction, then great shame awaits the unpurified souls when they present themselves before the assembly of angels and saints, aware of their own disgrace and that all around them see it too. This is beyond our imagination; the Savior has not fully depicted it, only stating that it will be so excruciating that they would prefer to be crushed by mountains rather than endure such humiliation in sight of all. Consequently, the prophet, having been reassured of the expulsion of all impurities from his being and understanding that there exists an abundant love for all that is good, declares with spiritual joy, "I shall not be put to shame!"—and I trust that I will face no shame. The pure saints will see nothing disgraceful in me thereafter, and I will not feel ashamed standing among them. St. Hilary states: “One receives forgiveness for past sins who has clung to the visions of God. The Word of the Lord proclaims: 'Behold, I have taken away, as a cloud, your iniquities, and as a shadow, your sins' (Is. 44:22).” God can remove from us all that brings shame and dishonor if we can genuinely assert, “I cling to Your sight.” However, one who says this is still engaged in the journey, not yet arrived at their destination. Shipwreck occurs at the shore; thieves may ambush us right at our doorstep. As long as one lives, the specter of enemy attacks looms large, creating a constant need for divine aid against them. The audacity of temptation often attempts to reenter the soul's formerly cleansed sanctum. In this context, “Do not put me to shame” signifies: "Now, thank You, O Lord, all is repaired and restored according to Your will, but I am concerned that the enemy might infiltrate again and dismantle all that has been built." He knows how to maneuver against me; do not allow my enemies to dishonor the soul that confesses to You. Blessed Augustine continues: “Do not shame me; let me flow where I flow, let me reach what I strive for, for this is the work of neither the willing nor the flowing, but of divine grace. I am entirely devoted to Your commandments, eager to perform every good work that comes before me; the desire and pursuit are mine, yet the strength is Yours. I place all my trust in Your assistance, which is always available to seekers—do not shame me; let my actions reflect my full adherence to Your commandments; empower me so that, similar to one who begins constructing a house and cannot finish, or one who rushes to commence a battle and is unable to fight, this fate does not befall me.” The hope that He who initiated our salvation will see it through to completion, guiding us smoothly through life's challenges to the gates of death and beyond to an everlasting place among the glorified, springs from the very onset of our return to God. This hope matures alongside our pursuit of Him, grounded primarily in the understanding that all that lay within our power has already been accomplished. God provides no extraordinary help as long as we possess untapped strength, which is also a gift from Him. The prophet voices this sentiment, as if to say: “I have fulfilled all that I could do; I have exhausted Your gifts, which are inherent in my being; I cannot proceed further, yet much remains to be achieved. Now, come to aid me with Your special assistance to help me complete this great endeavor in accordance with Your design.” I would fear even before myself that, upon embarking upon such a vast undertaking, I might falter midway. This is when true action begins, when You assume authority and not I.

My soul is heavily burdened; uplift it with Your mercy! I once voiced my grievances about my harsh experiences; You usually listened before, so hear me now, and teach me internally how to fulfill Your commandments. Only then will I comprehend the marvelous intricacies of Your wisdom in the law. My soul is utterly drained from sorrow; renew my strength to shun evil and provide me grace in relation to Your law, that I may understand and fulfill it rightly. I seek only what is right and delight in performing Your will, trusting that You will aid and bless me.

The imagery captures a state of mental oppression, as well as external trials. The psalmist's spirit was lifted from despair—his hands were heavy due to anguish. It reflects the truth that his soul is growing weary with sorrow. May Your law grant me mercy, deeply rooting it in my being. To enlarge the heart might imply liberation from external needs or inner enlightenment and the fortitude to adhere to Your commandments; either way, joy will fill the heart. To be deserving of such grace, I strive to uphold God's law to the best of my ability.