Psalm 119 (118):60Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Next, he adds, "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no different category of the blessed is referenced here beyond the one already established. Seeking the testimonies of the Lord with a whole heart corresponds to being blameless in one’s journey; it signifies walking in the law of the Lord. Then he states, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Nevertheless, we know that those who commit wrongdoing do explore the testimonies of the Lord, as they prefer knowledge over righteousness. There are also others who examine the testimonies, not because they live righteously, but to learn how they ought to live. These individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and for this reason, they have not yet attained true blessedness.

It is affirmed, and rightly so, in this Psalm: "They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we must strive, with God’s assistance, in whose hands we and our words rest (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that which is correctly spoken is not misinterpreted, causing confusion for the reader or hearer. We must be cautious not to imply that all the saints, who 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 thought to walk in the paths of the Lord, since sin is indeed evil, and those who do evil do not walk in His ways. Or if they are indeed recognized for walking in the paths of the Lord, one might wrongly conclude that they are sinless, which is certainly erroneous. This is stated not merely to avert arrogance, for it would not have appended, "And the truth is not in us," but rather "Humility is not in us"; especially as the subsequent words clarify the meaning and dispel uncertainties. After stating this, blessed John continues, "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 we perhaps overpaid or withheld too much? Regardless of our interpretation, the essence seems to contradict that esteemed and noble teaching celebrated by Greek philosophers and lauded by Latin scholars: "Do nothing excessively." However, the Latin language sometimes uses "nimis" in a context found in Scripture and laden with meaning in our discussions. When stating, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much," we indeed grasp a profound understanding, as when we tell a dear friend, "I love you too much," signifying immense love rather than an inappropriate excess.

"Oh, if," he exclaims, "my ways would become so straight, that I might keep Thy decrees" (Psalm 118:5). Truly, you have taken upon yourself this commitment. When you hear this, recognize the words of one who is willing; having discerned the expression of desire, cast aside the pride of presumption. For who claims to deeply desire what they can achieve by their own strength, independent of divine assistance? Hence, if one yearns for what God commands, they should beseech God to empower them to fulfill His commands.

"I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments" (Psalm 118:6). As we engage with God's commandments, whether when they are read or recalled, we ought to observe them as if gazing into a mirror, as the Apostle James mentions (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to be like this, seeking to reflect upon God's commandments without confusion, for they choose to be not just hearers but also doers of the word. It is for this reason they desire their paths to be made straight in order to uphold God’s statutes. How can one hope to achieve this straightness, except by the grace of God? Otherwise, they may encounter in God's law not a source of joy but confusion, especially if they choose not to look into the commandments they are called to follow.

"I will confess to Thee, O Lord, in the direction of my heart; in this I shall know the judgments of Thy righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of sins, but rather an acknowledgment of praise; similar to when He spoke, "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). "I confess to Thee," he states, "according to the guidance of my heart." Indeed, if my paths are made right, I will acknowledge You because You have accomplished it; it is Your glory, not mine.

He continues, "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "O leave me not even too much!" or, as some manuscripts say, "even too much, not excessively." Recognizing that God had not abandoned the world amid its wilderness of sin, He would have forsaken it greatly were it not for the powerful remedy provided, which is the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, according to this prayer from the body of Christ, He did not abandon it "even too much"; for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

I calmly faced the adversities I anticipated because I remembered that Scripture warns, "Child, when you come to serve the Lord God, prepare your soul for temptation." By continuously keeping this in mind, especially in light of those who might envy my commitment to God or the challenges faced, I remained unperturbed. In the Evergetidian text, these sentiments are echoed by a Monk who states, "I prepared myself and was not troubled." For instance, a crucial aspect of overcoming anger begins with the ability to remain silent, even when disturbed. By restraining my tongue, I could find peace within despite any provocation. Abba Moses exemplified this when, after being disrespected by the fathers for the first time, he said nothing in response to his indignation; and when insulted a second time by members of the clergy, he remained entirely unperturbed.

Consequently, regardless of what obstacles arise, they remain undisturbed and steadfast, for as the blessed Theodoret observes, one who has mentally prepared to face adversities is not burdened by sudden challenges. The courageous Daniel, the blessed youths, the valiant Maccabees, and all the martyrs of the Savior triumphed over wickedness. The ability to dispel hindrances or those attempting to undermine the prudent seeker of the Lord is rooted in the initial decision to forsake one’s own life in order to dedicate it to the Lord. Thus, even facing death will not catch them off guard. In the same manner, a fighter who persists amid despair faces no assault since their very spirit imbues them with formidable courage, rendering the enemy powerless against one who, having committed to the path of virtue, is already prepared to die rather than retreat.

St. Paul identifies the source of unwavering strength in their love for the Lord. They are united with Him from the beginning; through faith, they find assurance in His grace, not merely through belief but through a purposeful commitment to participate in His compassion. It is from this devotion that they are ignited by love, which serves as their unyielding strength. ‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, whether tribulation, or distress, or persecution...? Nothing, neither death, nor the present, nor the future. We conquer all things through Him who loves us’ (Rom. 8:35-38). This illustrates general preparation; however, it is essential that each of us has a personal preparation as well. Daily, upon rising for prayer, reflect on all potential challenges and, understanding their nature, formulate appropriate thoughts and emotions to fortify your spirit. This should be done continuously; at the first sign of any challenge, swiftly assess the situation and equip yourself with the means to effectively counter it. Carelessness can sap strength and focus from the soul, leaving it vulnerable and defenseless. Preparation means proactively resisting negative influences and preventing tumultuous emotions from reaching your heart. Just as stones cause ripples on tranquil water, so too do outside stimuli evoke thoughts and feelings. Stand firm against them! If you prevent these disturbances from penetrating your heart and saturate your spirit with counter-thoughts and counter-emotions—making your heart as unyielding as ice-covered water—all extraneous stimuli will only resonate on the surface, never penetrating deeply. The Prophet remained steadfast and undeterred, consistently upholding God's commandments, even as various temptations sought to provoke anger, lust, judgment, envy, and pride within him. In every situation, he adhered to the commandments, demonstrating that his prior preparation brought him success, and it was not only at the moment of challenge that he excelled, but because he had diligently ready himself beforehand.

I consistently focus on my conduct, striving to align it with Your statutes, from which I cannot be swayed. Although my adversaries bring me great anguish, I meditate on Your law even during my darkest hours; I awaken at night to worship You, the Lawgiver and Judge. All righteous individuals are my companions; reveal Your mercy to me by sharing Your enlightening grace.