Psalm 119 (118):59Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now listen to what follows: "Blessed are they who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). This seems to reiterate the previously mentioned group of the blessed. To examine the testimonies of the Lord and seek Him wholeheartedly embodies the essence of being blameless in one’s journey; it signifies walking in the law of the Lord. He goes on to state, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet we recognize that those who commit wrongdoing may still scrutinize the testimonies of the Lord, for they prefer knowledge over righteousness. Others may study His testimonies not because they lead righteous lives but to understand how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and therefore, they are not yet blessed.

It is affirmed in this Psalm that “they that do evil walk not in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with the assistance of God, who holds both us and our words in His hands (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly expressed is also rightly comprehended to avoid misleading the reader or listener. We must be cautious, for all saints affirm, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9). Hence, one might conclude that they cannot be seen as walking in the Lord's ways, since sin is evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His paths. Alternatively, since it is undeniable that they walk in the Lord's ways, one might erroneously conclude that they are without sin, which is undoubtedly false. This statement serves not merely to prevent arrogance or pride; otherwise, it would not include the phrase, "and the truth is not in us." Instead, it emphasizes humility. The subsequent statement clarifies the meaning and dispels any uncertainty: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

What does it reveal: “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have you imposed an excessive burden? Or perhaps deprived us of enough? Regardless of interpretation, the implication seems contrary to the esteemed maxim recognized by the Greeks in their philosophers and praised unanimously by the Latins: "Do nothing in excess." Yet, in Latin, the term "nimis" can be understood within a biblical context, often carrying significant meaning. In this context, when you accuse us of overly strict adherence to Your commandments, we grasp a profound truth; saying "I love you too much" to a dear friend does not imply a lack of propriety but rather expresses deep affection.

“Ah, if only my ways may be made straight, that I may keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed accepted the responsibility: "Oh, if only I could live up to what You have taken upon Yourself." When you hear this, recognize the words of one who is willing; and upon acknowledging this desire, let go of the arrogance of presumptuousness. For who claims that they genuinely wish to achieve something within their power, without divine assistance? Therefore, if one longs for the fulfillment of what God commands, they should earnestly pray for His grace to enable them to comply with His will.

"And I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). We ought to view the commandments of God as one would a mirror, as the apostle James articulates (James 1:23-25). This individual desires to reflect upon God's commandments in a mirror without confusion, choosing to be not just a hearer, but a doer as well. This is why he seeks for his paths to align with the statutes of God. How can one achieve straightness apart from God’s grace? Otherwise, they will encounter only confusion in the law of God if they attempt to gaze upon the commandments, which they do not genuinely uphold.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, according to the direction of my heart; in this I will discern the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not an admission of sin but an expression of praise, akin to "I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25). As written in Ecclesiasticus, "Confess all the works of God, for they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). In saying, "I will confess to You, according to the guidance of my heart," it follows that if my ways are rectified, I will bring praise to You, for it is Your work, not mine.

He continues: “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But then, what follows? “O leave me not even too much!” or, as some manuscripts read, “not even excessively.” However, God did not abandon the world in its wilderness of sin entirely; He would have forsaken it even more so had it not been preserved by a powerful remedy—the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ—for through the prayer of Christ’s body, He did not renounce it excessively, since “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Contemplate these avenues, adapt them to your journey, and make necessary adjustments to ensure they are comfortable for you to traverse while renouncing wicked ways. The commandments extend beyond merely our feet; each part of ourselves is governed by laws. Guard your eyes against the allure of sin condemned by the Lord; refrain from listening to every word, to avoid being swept away by lustful thoughts or nurturing self-condemnation; temper your appetite for sweets and rich foods, lest you shift from mild indulgence to harmful excess, leading to lethargy and illness; restrain your tongue through silence and mindful speaking, avoiding verbosity that leads to idle chatter, stirring inner evils rather than spreading them to others; prioritize fulfilling responsibilities over trivial entertainments, so that in solitary reflection, you may grow strong to combat both your inner struggles and external adversities; cultivate your hands for generosity and honest labor, ensuring that your time is occupied with productive endeavors, keeping your life safeguarded by the prayers of those whom you support. Immerse yourself in divine pursuits; channel your efforts solely toward actions that benefit others and glorify God; seek pleasures only in those associated with the Lord. Collect such thoughts and shape your existence to align with God's visions. By embracing these divine insights and applying them to your life, you will discover the moral fortitude necessary to follow them. St. Athanasius the Great remarked, “Since I have directed my whole thought to Your commandments, I have entered on the path of visions.” The visions of God are compelling; the Lord's commandment is bright and illuminating. When you shine this light upon your life, the Gospel's radiance stands in stark contrast to the shadowy existence of sin and desire. If you have taken this righteous path, let the brilliance of the commandments guide you, aspiring to achieve this luminosity. Our nature is innately beautiful, harmonious, and divine; the commandments do not place burdensome demands upon us but rather reveal our true nature. Those who consistently obey the commandments become radiant themselves because the commands unlock a pathway to God within the soul, paving the way for Him to inhabit and enlighten our entire being. Stand firm and courageous! Recall the darkness, anxiety, and chaos you have endured in sin; however, a future filled with light, tranquility, and wise order awaits you if you remain steadfast in the commandments you have absorbed, reflected upon, and deemed relevant. Contemplating God's ways will ground those who turn from sin, accompanying each step of their journey. Initially, it may suffice to consider overarching principles; yet each action possesses specificities that must be understood within the light of divine insight. Yet once the foundational truths are known, the details will often reveal themselves. Nonetheless, vigilance and continuous reflection on our words and actions remain crucial to avoid sinning and tarnishing our conscience. Life's experiences will fortify us in this knowledge, making discernment instinctive, however perplexing it may seem. In this regard, St. Hilary provides us with wisdom: “The prophet remembers how he acted and gives us a lesson as to how we should act. He assesses each step to ensure it aligns with the visions of God. He refrains from speech or action until he deliberates thoroughly, so that his deeds embody the divine insights he has considered.” This meticulous approach leads to steadfastness in action; when faced with challenges, one perseveres, as everything is part of a broader plan. Such a person remains unshaken by carelessness.

My primary focus remains on my conduct, which I strive to align with Your laws, from which I cannot be swayed. Although my foes cause me much turmoil, even amid my greatest trials, I ponder Your law; at night, I rise to worship You, the Lawgiver and Judge. All righteous individuals are my companions; demonstrate Your mercy by granting me the gift of Your enlightening grace.