Psalm 119 (118):70Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Now, take heed of what follows: “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). It appears that this passage refers to no other group of the blessed than those already addressed. To scrutinize the testimonies of the Lord and to earnestly seek Him aligns with being blameless on the path—it embodies walking in the law of the Lord. Then he states, “For those who do evil will not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we recognize that those who commit iniquity do study the testimonies of the Lord, favoring knowledge over righteousness. Others may also ponder the testimonies not out of a desire to live rightly but to learn how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and therefore, they have not attained blessedness...

It is declared in this Psalm, and it rings true: “Those who do evil do not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Nonetheless, we must strive, with the assistance of God, who holds both us and our words, as stated in Wisdom 7:16, to ensure that the correctly articulated truths are understood rightly, avoiding confusion for the reader or listener. We must be cautious not to misinterpret all the saints who proclaim, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9). This could lead someone to think that they do not walk in the ways of the Lord since sin is wrongdoing, and those who commit sin do not walk in His paths; or it might suggest, without a doubt that they do walk in the Lord’s ways, indicating that they have no sin, which is undeniably false. This is not said merely to safeguard against arrogance; otherwise, it would have been phrased as, “Humility is not in us.” The subsequent words clarify the intent, alleviating all doubts. 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 is meant by, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have You set an unreasonable expectation? Or have we missed something significant? Either way, the implication seems contrary to the esteemed sentiment lauded by the Greeks in their philosophers and praised by the Latins: “Do nothing excessively.” Yet, the Latin language sometimes employs the term “nimis” so that it gains depth in Scripture and in our conversations. In this context, the accusation of following Your commandments too much suggests a profound understanding if comprehended correctly; for if one were to tell a cherished friend, “I love you too much,” it does not imply an excess but rather a deep affection.

“Oh, if my paths could be made straight!” he laments, “that I might keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed accepted this burden: oh, if only I could embody what You have accepted. When you hear this, recognize it as the expression of a willing spirit; having acknowledged this desire, cast aside the arrogance of presumption. For who claims to yearn for what they can obtain without Divine assistance? Therefore, if one longs for what God commands, they ought to beseech God to grant them the strength to fulfill His commands...

“If I keep all Your commandments, I shall not be put to shame” (Psalm 118:6). We should regard the commands of God when they are spoken or when they come to mind, much like gazing into a mirror, as the Apostle James notes (James 1:23-25). This person desires to embody this quality such that they may look into God’s commandments without confusion; for they are not merely hearers but doers of the word. Hence, they seek to straighten their paths so that they can observe God’s statutes. How can one achieve this, except through God’s grace? Without it, they will find in God's law not a source of joy but one of bewilderment if they wish to examine the commandments they do not uphold.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with the direction of my heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of sins but an expression of praise. As He said, “I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as it is written in Ecclesiasticus, “So confess all the works of God, for they are very good” (Sirach 39:15-16). He asserts, “I confess to You according to the guidance of my heart.” Indeed, if my ways are made right, I will give You thanks, for it is Your work, deserving of praise, not mine...

Furthermore, 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, “not even excessively.” Even though God withdrew from the world amidst its sins, He would have completely forsaken it without the strong remedy provided by God’s grace through our Lord Jesus Christ; now, as per the prayer of the body of Christ, God did not leave it even too much; for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19)...

This condition mirrors the situation of Pharaoh, as described in Exodus: "Pharaoh's heart is hardened" (Exodus 8:19). Thus, the prophet states, "They have a rebellious heart, and they have transformed its gentleness into hardness, resembling how milk is thickened and put to rest, while I, through learning Your law, was transformed." This sentiment expresses stubborn resistance against God and His directives – "you have become thickhearted and forgotten the God who created you" (Deuteronomy 32:15). St. Athanasius remarks that while the hearts of the saints are refined, the proud possess hearts that grow hard. The human heart suffers in its inadequacy when it falls under the sway of unrighteousness, which pushes it far from its rightful place, causing it to wither. As St. Ambrose notes, milk is naturally pure, appealing, and fluid, but when it spoils, it becomes sour. So too, the human heart is naturally pure, tender, and warm, yet when exposed to corruption, it turns cold, hardened, and gloomy. When milk is oxidized, it contracts and loses its pleasant quality; similarly, a person, before succumbing to sin, can speak sweetly and act kindly, but upon entering into unrighteousness, their character shifts—bitterness replaces their previous kindness, and pride and resentment smother the heart’s natural humility and goodness, tainted by malice and falsehood. Initially hardened by experiences of wickedness, the heart becomes further entrenched in its condition; ultimately, this culminates in a state of unyielding hardness.

In contrast to this, the God-fearing individual, when faced with unrighteousness, finds himself growing in his understanding of the law, becoming adaptable for every good work and steadfast in executing virtuous intentions to completion. His commitment does not stem merely from obligation but flows from genuine love for the good and for the One who provided the law. The more he deepens his roots in goodness amid fierce opposition, the more his heart ablazes with love, fostering softness and genuine kindness towards others, enveloping those around him in warmth. The prophet proclaims: "I have learned, I have observed, I know firmly, and I hold this in my heart. Whatever I face, my heart will guide me in discerning the right course of action." Just as a corrupt heart yields evil thoughts, as stated in the Scriptures, a virtuous heart produces good thoughts that direct its actions rightly in various situations. The Apostle’s teachings encourage us to cultivate our senses in discerning good and evil. Hence, the unrighteousness of the proud—allowed by God—serves as an opportunity for those who honor Him and uphold His law, functioning as a divine school for their moral development. The prophet’s declaration of having learned confirms that education has been achieved, demonstrating that this formation brings individuals closer to the wisdom they are meant to acquire. Indeed, life’s circumstances should be met with a spirit that shapes our responses. None of these situations inherently lead to wrongdoing; evil arises from choice. Consider the case of Potiphar's wife with Joseph—her actions highlighted his virtue even more, while tempting others to sin. Be steadfast; external temptations do not have the power to harm you; instead, they may serve to strengthen your resolve in goodness. One conviction leads to another, and ultimately, perseverance in goodness may be attained—not easily, but through love, sincerity, and attractiveness.

You have bestowed such grace upon me; shown me kindness in the past—extend that graciousness now and grant me strength and enlightenment to fulfill Your law, which I believe in wholeheartedly. The consequences of my captivity have bound me to Your word; therefore, through Your goodness, grant me a deep understanding of it. Despite the persecution I face, I remain steadfast; unlike my adversaries, I remain responsive to Your law, which I cherish more than any earthly possession.