Psalm 119 (118):37Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Moreover, it recounts the endeavors of one who says: ‘I made great works: I built myself houses, I planted vineyards, I constructed gardens and parks, and I cultivated in them all types of fruitful trees; I created reservoirs for irrigation; I gathered servants and maids, and I had household staff; I possessed more livestock than all who went before me in Jerusalem. I amassed silver and gold and precious gems from kings and provinces; I had singers and musical instruments to delight the hearts of mankind. Whatever my eyes desired, I did not deny them, nor did I withhold pleasure from my heart, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor, this was my reward for all my toil. And when I reflected on all the works my hands had accomplished and the effort I expended in them: behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind, and there is no gain under the sun!’ (Ecclesiastes 2:4-8, 10, 11). Vanity refers to that which is devoid of value or meaning, much like the fleeting pleasures of life. Thus, the prophet implores that the eyes of his mind be turned elsewhere, urging that they not be drawn to the ephemeral attractions of this life. ‘In Thy way revive me’ implies: let my life conform to Your commandments!

Now, consider what follows: "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears to me that no other category of the blessed is articulated here beyond what has already been mentioned. To scrutinize the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly is to walk blamelessly in His ways, to follow the law of the Lord. He further states, "For those who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We know, however, that those who commit iniquity do investigate the testimonies of the Lord, for they prefer knowledge to righteousness. Others may examine the testimonies not out of an existing righteous life, but to learn how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk in blamelessness before the law of the Lord, and thus, they remain unblessed.

It is recorded and observed in this Psalm, and it is indeed true: "Those who do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet we must strive, with God's aid, in whose hands both we and our words reside, to ensure that what is correctly stated is not misinterpreted, potentially confusing the reader or listener. We must be cautious lest any of the saints, whose messages convey, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), be misconceived as not walking in the paths of the Lord since sin is evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His ways. Conversely, if it is incontrovertibly true that they follow the Lord's paths, one might fall erroneously into the belief that they have no sin, which is clearly false. This was not merely expressed to avoid arrogance and pride; otherwise, it would not say, "And the truth is not in us," but rather, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words provide further clarity and dispel any uncertainty. After stating this, the blessed John added, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

What does it signify when it states: "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Have we required too much or left too little? Regardless of how we interpret this, the essence seems to contradict that esteemed and noble notion praised by the Greeks in their philosophers, which the Latins also uphold: Do nothing in excess. However, the Latin occasionally employs the term 'nimis' in a context that finds resonance in Scripture, and we use it meaningfully in our discourse. Thus, we interpret the charge of overly strict commandment-keeping as indicating a deep understanding, for when we tell a cherished friend, "I love you too much," we do not intend to convey excess but rather profound affection.

"Oh, if,” he expresses, “my ways would be made straight, that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). You have taken upon Yourself the responsibility: Oh, if only I could realize what You have taken upon Yourself. When you hear this, recognize it as the yearning of the willing; upon recognizing this desire, discard any pride of presumption. For who can profess to desire what lies within their own ability to achieve without divine assistance? Therefore, if one longs to fulfill God's commands, one ought to pray earnestly that God may bestow the ability to obey His commands.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). When we reflect upon the commandments of God, whether while reading them or bringing them to memory, we should see them as a mirror, as articulated by the Apostle James (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to be such that he can perceive the commandments of God without confusion, choosing to be not merely a hearer of the Word but a doer as well. Thus, he seeks to ensure his ways are straight and to adhere to God's statutes. How can one achieve this, except through the grace of God? Without it, the law of God will serve not as a source of joy but of distress if one scrutinizes the commandments, which they do not live out.

"I will confess to You," he states, "O Lord, with the guidance of my heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of sins, but rather an expression of praise, akin to when he declares, "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as is written in the book of Ecclesiasticus, "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). "I confess to You," he insists, "according to the direction of my heart." Indeed, if my ways are made right, I will acknowledge You, for it is You who has brought this about, and it is Your glory, not mine.

He further asserts, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). What follows? "O, do not forsake me, not even for an instant!" or, as some translations suggest, "Do not abandon me excessively." For although God withdrew from the world amidst its wilderness of sins, He would have abandoned it completely, were it not for the powerful remedy provided—the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ; thus, in alignment with this supplication of the body of Christ, He did not forsake it even slightly, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

What appears beautiful and desirable to our physical sight is termed vanity, echoing Solomon's reflection that all is vanity. Theodoret observes that what is without purpose is folly, which encompasses all the superficial joys of existence. Origen describes vanity as an obsession with the unnecessary and idle daydreaming of the mind. Paul elucidates this by stating, "according to the vanity of his mind, being darkened in understanding." This illustrates what is deemed vain: when a person endowed with reason fails to contemplate the truths and instead surrenders their mind to Satan, who binds them. Hence, in prayer, one implores, “Turn away my eyes, that I may not see vanity,” recognizing that this too is reliant on divine grace. The prophet expresses a desire to shun the vanity of this transient life, recalling the admonition given to Lot, “Do not look back, save your life (your soul).”

He has bestowed upon us an intimate connection with Himself and has allotted us this earthly existence to complete this most significant task. The opportunity for such profound transformation is limited to our time in this world; if it is not achieved now, it may never be realized.

Bellarmine interprets vanity as that which is created not for necessity or purpose, but rather to indulge the senses and fulfill human desires. The world is filled with such distractions and customs, leading those who participate in them to become lost in an endless quest for unattainable pleasures. This sense of vanity represents a pointless crowd, devoid of true significance. The prophet petitions God to divert his gaze from such trivialities, as they can entice with their seeming emptiness; they can draw the heart away if one is not vigilant.

The challenge of turning away is real, as living amid such vanity makes it hard not to be affected by it. Yet, this preoccupation only ignites the desires within. When one's urges are provoked, their gaze may be involuntarily drawn to what causes distress, leading to an unhealthy attachment. To “turn away the eyes” signifies a plea for divine protection from fixation on these vanities, with the understanding that in doing so, one finds life in God's commandments. The goal is a heartfelt commitment to God's laws, which brings not just existence but the essence of life itself—vibrancy and renewal along life's journey.

As Blessed Anfim teaches, focusing on vanity leads to spiritual demise and separation from God's life. Those who divert their gaze from such distractions are, like Lot, rescued from death, fulfilling their divine purpose. St. Athanasius broadens this definition of vanity to include anything that strays from God’s will and salvation. He states that vanity encompasses an excessive desire for earthly entertainment and unworthy thoughts, a concept echoed by Paul as he articulates the futility of mind when one is enthralled by sensory pleasures, leading them away from the life God offers (Eph. 4:17-18).

The Psalmist, aware of this danger, beseeches God: “Turn away my eyes, lest I see vanity,” recognizing that such a plea is a manifestation of divine grace. The prophet identifies beauty in the physical realm and the enticing appearances that captivate human hearts. Blessed Theodoret elaborates that true vanity consists of that which lacks purpose or value. The Wise One echoes this sentiment with: “vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2), reflecting on the emptiness of earthly accomplishments.

Thus, the prophet earnestly asks for his mind's focus to be redirected toward meaningful contemplation, away from the deceptions of the present. St. Hilary questions the nature of this plea and concludes that it concerns the perceptions of both soul and body that focus on transient worldly values, which in reality are insignificant and fleeting, such as theatrical performances, contests, and material possessions.

The fruit of ignoring such vanities is the cultivation of a meaningful spiritual life. St. Ambrosius observes that in our weaknesses, we often desire the external allure of others’ possessions and appearances, prompting the prophet’s reminder: “Turn away your eyes...” for such redirection is a precious gift from God, ensuring our gaze does not linger on the vacuity of this age. True joy resides in the Lord, which is affirmed in “Blessed is the man who has the Lord as his hope and does not regard the vanities of the world” (Psalm 39:5).

In this context, the verse serves as a guiding principle for life. Blessed Augustine outlines a vital lesson on the intention behind good actions. He recalls the apparent contradiction in the plea, questioning whether it is possible to escape the reach of vanity in a world rife with it. Such echoes the directive of the apostle: “Seek ye higher things where Christ is..." (Colossians 3:1-3).

Furthermore, these reflections suggest the importance of inner purity—a good eye leads to a bright life, whereas a corrupt perspective yields darkness (Matthew 6:22-23). Therefore, the intention behind our deeds is as critical as the deeds themselves. When engaging in good works, it is essential to examine not only the righteousness of the actions but also the motives behind them.

The prophet's desire to turn away from vanity emphasizes the dangers of seeking human praise, which can lead individuals astray. Many renowned figures of this world have performed great actions, not for God’s glory but for their own esteem, receiving earthly rewards rather than the eternal ones stored in heaven. The Lord, teaching his followers, emphasizes that good deeds must not be performed “to be seen of men” to receive the true rewards from the Father.

The pursuit of human praise, although not inherently wrong, becomes detrimental if it drives one's actions. Even when commended by others, a righteous individual should attribute their goodness solely to God's glory, recognizing that only through Him can true goodness emanate.

In this light, believers are reminded to focus their actions on glorifying God, shunning the vanity of human esteem. Moreover, it’s worth considering that if pursuing earthly glory is vanity, then striving for material wealth is even more so. Our good works must not aim for fleeting earthly benefits but rather seek eternal salvation, for the ultimate bliss provided by God transcends all worldly gain.

If the saints had aimed for temporal rewards, they would not have bravely endured persecution. Martyrs faced trials without consideration of earthly benefits, as “vanity is the salvation of men” (Psalm 59:13). They understood that life is ephemeral and likened it to “a shadow” (Psalm 143:4), prompting the need for God’s grace to turn our focus away from vanities, reinforcing the necessity of divine help in all our endeavors. Some faltered by clinging to self-righteousness and seeking human glory, forgetting that true holiness and righteousness come only through reliance on God's grace.

Bestow upon me the grace to recognize your law as the singular benchmark for my existence; illuminate my understanding of it. Endow me to carry out your will in secret and protect me from all wrongdoing. Fulfill the promise you have made to those who revere you; alleviate the shame that haunts me, demonstrating how your law brings joy to those who obey it. For the sake of my love for your law, restore my spirit.

Establish me as a law-abiding servant, making your ordinances my guiding principle; this standard should be my foremost commitment. If, by your grace, I am enabled to consider your justifications as my law, then I will deeply explore and strive to understand all its teachings. Perhaps also, teach me regarding your word through reverence for you. This spoken promise is directed at those who fear you; it serves to cultivate greater respect and awe before you.