Psalm 119 (118):68Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider what follows: “Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that the blessed individuals referred to here are not distinct from those previously mentioned. To ponder the testimonies of the Lord and earnestly seek Him aligns with walking blamelessly in His law. He continues, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we are aware that those who commit iniquity examine the testimonies of the Lord not out of a genuine desire for righteousness but merely to acquire knowledge. Others might also study the testimonies of the Lord not because they exemplify good living but in hopes of discovering how they ought to live. These do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord and therefore have not attained blessedness.

It is affirmed in this Psalm, and it holds true: “They that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with God's grace, in whose hands both we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), that any statements made accurately reflect the truth so as not to confuse the reader or listener. We should be cautious; for all the saints have expressed, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9). This means we cannot conclude that the saints do not walk in the ways of the Lord since sin is iniquitous and those who do evil do not follow His paths. Conversely, if it is clear that they walk in His ways, it cannot be said that they are without sin, which is undoubtedly false. This caution is not merely to prevent arrogance; otherwise, it would state that humility is absent. The subsequent words clarify the meaning and dispel confusion: after stating this, blessed John adds, “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 indicate when it is said: “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly” (Psalm 118:4)? Have we over-extended our requirements, or have we neglected something? No matter how we understand this, it contradicts that notable and admirable principle praised by the Greeks in their wise men, which the Latins also commend: “Do nothing excessively.” However, the Latin language can use the term “nimis” in a way that we encounter in scripture and find meaningful in conversation. Thus, in saying, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too much,” we grasp a deeper understanding if we interpret this correctly; for when we express our profound love for a dear friend by saying, “I love you too much,” we do not imply it is in excess, but rather that it is indeed very much.

He expresses a longing: “Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes” (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, you have assumed a significant responsibility: oh, that I could comprehend the weight you have taken upon Yourself. As you hear this, recognize the words of one who is willing; having discerned this expression of desire, cast aside any presumption of pride. After all, who claims to desire something within their power to achieve without divine assistance? Therefore, if one aspires to fulfill what God commands, they must humbly seek God's help to accomplish it.

“I will not be put to shame as long as I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We ought to regard the commandments of God when they are proclaimed or recalled, as one would observe their reflection in a mirror, as the Apostle James states (James 1:23-25). This person wishes to align themselves with the commandments, desiring not to be bewildered, as they choose to be not merely a hearer but a doer of the word. Hence, they long for their paths to be straight and to uphold God's statutes. How can one attain straightness except through the grace of God? Otherwise, when confronted with the law of God, they will find not joy but confusion, especially if they neglect to align their lives with His commandments.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with my whole heart, and I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession is one of praise rather than guilt, akin to the acknowledgment “I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” where no sin exists (Matthew 11:25), and as it is written in the book of Ecclesiasticus, “So confess all the works of God, that they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He affirms, “I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart.” Indeed, if my ways are corrected, I will confess to You, acknowledging that Your work merits praise, not mine.

He adds further: “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? “O leave me not even too much!” or as some versions state, “leave me not, even if it seems excessive.” Yet, because God departed from the world amid its wilderness of sins, He would have abandoned it utterly were it not for the powerful remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, aligned with the prayer of Christ’s body, God did not forsake the world excessively, for through Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Is it not true that our Heavenly Father, who has perfect insight into what is beneficial for each individual, performs similarly? St. Ambrose reminds us that a physician may employ both harsh treatments like cutting and cauterization, as well as gentle ones that cause no discomfort. When a patient’s disposition cannot tolerate painful remedies, it is the doctor's responsibility to avoid bitter treatments or to disguise their unpleasantness with more agreeable options. This reflects how the Lord addresses our moral weaknesses and ailments.

We often grapple with the perplexing issue of why human experiences differ so markedly. No one has definitively clarified this in a way that resonates with obvious truth in every situation. Yet, the overarching principle of God’s providence in this area is clearly articulated in Scripture and offers much comfort. Prosperity and destitution, recognition and anonymity, authority and humble service—all facets of earthly existence are entrusted to God, serving as instruments for growth. What benefits one is bestowed upon them in varying degrees: some receive brighter circumstances, some lowly ones, and others average conditions. It is futile to argue that one person's fortune is inherently superior to another's; perhaps, by lessening their prosperity, they would worsen in character. Similarly, it is impossible to assert that a person’s good fortune would necessarily yield increased virtue. Each is allotted a condition through which they can achieve the greatest good; to alter their circumstances for the worse or better risks incurring a deeper evil.

The purpose of our time on this earth is to attain moral excellence and to prepare ourselves for eternity. The Lord guides this process. The complete understanding of our varied fates will be revealed beyond this life, where all will recognize the divine order in what is presently unclear. There is a parable about a man who labored with his hands and selflessly shared all he produced with the needy, retaining only what was necessary for survival; by morning, he had nothing left. Observing his generosity, a devoted individual mused, “If he were affluent, how much more good he could accomplish!” and prayed for his prosperity. God answered, granting him wealth, but instead of aiding the impoverished, he repelled them with disdain. Realizing the change in his heart, he beseeched the Lord to restore his former life of diligent toil. The Lord obliged, and once again, he lived in a manner that distributed his earnings among the poor. This illustrates how divine adjustments to people's fortunes can be similar to our own misguided notions of justice and prudence. Some individuals thrive under consistent circumstances, while others benefit from fluctuations, be they increases or decreases, and still others either improve or decline in singular shifts.

Consider Job, who cycles through extreme happiness and despair before finding joy once more; Abraham, who enjoys a life of complete contentment; Joseph, who rises from slavery to govern an entire kingdom; and Saul, whose life concludes in misery, marking the end of regal legacy for his lineage. God operates in such ways, not out of mere caprice or power to alter destinies, but for the ultimate good of each soul and their intended purpose. Therefore, since the Lord guides us toward righteousness through blessings, the prayer, “By Your grace, O Lord, instruct me in Your truth” is fitting.

You have already shown me great favor; be merciful to me now and grant me strength and enlightenment to follow Your law, in which I firmly place my trust. The trials I face have tethered me to Your word; therefore, by Your grace, provide me with a thorough understanding of it; despite all adversities, I do not shy away from it. Unlike my foes who grow hard-hearted, I remain attentive to Your law, which I treasure more than any earthly possession.