Psalm 119 (118):80Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Even in our earthly existence, it is a cause of shame for a Christian to be labeled a fornicator, an abuser, a slanderer, a perjurer, one who bears hatred towards a brother, a drunkard, a gossip, a liar, or to engage in any similar behavior.

Now, consider what He further states: "Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no distinct group of the blessed is referenced here other than the previously acknowledged one. To examine the Lord's testimonies and seek Him wholeheartedly signifies walking blamelessly in the way, adhering to the law of the Lord. Then He adds, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). Yet, we recognize that those who commit iniquity do indeed investigate the Lord’s testimonies, as they prefer knowledge over righteousness. There are also others who scrutinize the testimonies not because they live righteously, but so they may learn how to live. Such individuals, lacking blamelessness in the law of the Lord, have not attained blessedness.

It is indeed written and confirmed in this Psalm: "They that do evil do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with the grace of God, who holds both us and our words in His hands (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly asserted is not misunderstood, leading to confusion for the reader or hearer. We must be cautious not to suppose that all the saints, whose words declare, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9), can be considered as not walking in the ways of the Lord, since sin is indeed wicked, and those who do wickedness do not walk in His ways. Likewise, since it is evident that they indeed walk in the Lord's paths, it would be untrue to claim they have no sin. This assertion is not made merely to guard against arrogance; otherwise, it would have stated, "Humility is not in us." The subsequent words clarify the intention and remove any uncertainty, for Blessed John continues by stating, "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 then does it signify when one says, "You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?" (Psalm 118:4). Has too great a sum been taken from us? Or have we left too much? Regardless of how we interpret this, the implication seems to contradict the renowned and admirable teaching praised by the Greeks in their wise men, and which is unanimously lauded by the Latins: "Do nothing in excess." Yet, in the Latin tongue, the term nimis sometimes conveys a notion that we encounter in Scripture and discuss meaningfully. When it is stated that we have kept Your commandments excessively, it indicates that we grasp a significant truth in our understanding, especially if we express to a cherished friend, "I love you too much," meaning we love them immensely rather than excessively.

"Oh, if," he says, "my ways could be made so straight that I might keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:5). Indeed, you have taken upon yourself this aspiration: if only I could fully grasp what you have undertaken. When you hear this, recognize the words of the willing, and upon identifying this expression of longing, cast aside the arrogance of presumption. For who claims to desire that which is within their capability without assistance? Therefore, if one yearns for what God commands, one should pray for the strength to fulfill His commands.

"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 a mirror when they are recited or remembered, as the apostle James indicates (James 1:23-25). This individual aspires to see themselves as they truly are before God's commandments and hopes not to be dismayed; for they do not merely listen to them but strive to act upon them. This is why they earnestly wish for their ways to be made straight so that they may uphold God's statutes. How can one achieve straightness apart from God's grace? Otherwise, they will find not joy, but confusion within God's law if they seek to examine commandments that they do not intend to follow.

"I will confess to You, O Lord, with my whole heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness" (Psalm 117:7). This is not a confession of sins, but one of praise; as it is proclaimed, "In whom there was no sin, I confess to You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25), and as stated in the book of Ecclesiasticus: "so confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). I acknowledge to You, he states, according to the guidance of my heart. Indeed, if my paths are guided aright, I will confess to You, for You have accomplished it, and it is Your honor, not mine.

He further asserts: "I will keep Your decrees" (Psalm 118:8). But what follows? "Oh, do not forsake me entirely!" or, as some manuscripts render, "not even excessively." Yet, because God abandoned the world amid its wilderness of sins, He would have forsaken it greatly if it had not been upheld by the powerful remedy of grace, granted through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now through this prayer from the body of Christ, He does not forsake it excessively, for God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

He has taken every measure for this purpose: He established the pathway to justification, imparted renewed life, fulfilled divine powers, instituted the ranks of holiness and correction, and provided fatherly guidance.

Grace serves as the foundation of purity; subsequently, the endeavor of self-discipline and correction, under the influence of sanctifying forces, expels each passion in turn and cultivates virtuous dispositions in their stead. Ultimately, through these endeavors, the heart becomes entirely pure, brimming with the fruits of the Spirit as articulated by St. Paul: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) or, as depicted by the Lord in the Beatitudes, a character that is humble, meek, truthful, merciful, pure, peaceable, patient, and trusting. A pure heart not only stands apart from all that is sinful but also overflows with all that is virtuous.

The plea, “Let me not be ashamed,” indicates an intense desire for unashamedness, particularly during moments of inner turmoil. When faced with a storm of negative thoughts and unkind impulses, a pure heart responds with strength derived from its goodness. The reflections of anger are countered with gentleness, pride is met with humility, impurity with purity, self-interest with righteousness and mercy, and offenses with patience. Any evil inclination that approaches will encounter a response of opposing goodness from within the heart. No matter the severity of the attacks from the enemy, they cannot conquer one who possesses a pure heart; such an individual will never feel ashamed before their adversary.

Another time of unashamedness occurs at the moment of death and in the face of judgment. While the notion of divine scrutiny may seem daunting to many, it is an unavoidable reality. What do the collectors of souls seek in those passing through death? They seek out their desires and vices. Thus, those with hearts free from passions leave no ground for attachment; rather, the goodness within them repels these adversarial entities like arrows. One observer noted that what seem frightening to the collectors might, in fact, have a deceptive allure, presenting tempting distractions in succession to the departing soul. When passions have been expelled and virtues are deeply rooted, the soul, devoid of desire for these illusions, will turn away in disgust from whatever charm is offered. In contrast, if the heart remains tainted, it will gravitate towards whatever passions it still aligns with, making it vulnerable to deception.

The final experience of unashamedness is at the Last Judgment, standing before the ever-watchful Judge, surrounded by angels and all the saints. The faithful have always held this vision close, striving to remain mindful of the moment when the Judge's voice may declare, “depart” or “come.” This awareness encourages vigilance against not only overt sins but also against sinful thoughts and emotions, which leads to the rejection of evil and the embracing of virtue. Therefore, it is clear that the prophet primarily refers to this ultimate state of unashamedness, as contemplation of it is a powerful motivation for fostering purity in the heart.

O Lord, the source of my being, provide me insight into Your law, elevating me beyond mere existence. When the righteous see my salvation, they will find joy in it, as my hope will be fulfilled. It is completely just that You have chastened me, for this aligns with the faithfulness of Your promises, enabling me to fulfill my commitment upon being refined through correction; yet let Your mercy prevail once more, causing my adversaries to be shamed, and restoring those who have wronged the righteous regarding me as friends. Oh, that I could live a life of integrity, that this prayer of mine may be realized!