Psalm 131 (130):2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He asserts that he has embraced childlike humility; just as a child clings to its mother—innocent, devoid of arrogance, simple, and gentle—so too have I remained in constant connection with God. The mention of a child is purposeful; it serves to illustrate his anguish, struggles, discouragement, and the depth of his trials. Just as a weaned child does not forsake its mother, even in moments of weeping, mourning, and frustration, but continues to cling to her, so too, he expresses, in his sorrow, adversity, and numerous hardships, he has remained devoted to God. Yet, if he has not maintained this steadfastness, he declares, let his soul be subjected to severe punishment.

"Lord, my heart is not proud" (Psalm 130:1). This serves as a profound acknowledgment of sacrifice. How do we know this? Because true humility of heart constitutes a significant offering. Without sacrifice, there is no priesthood. Yet we have a High Priest in Heaven, interceding for us before the Father, having entered the Holy of Holies beyond the veil. We find security in His priesthood; thus, let us present our sacrifices there. Let us reflect on what gift we ought to offer, for as the psalmist reminds us, "the sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise."

"O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes lifted up" (Psalm 130:1). I have not preoccupied myself with lofty endeavors, nor have I pursued marvelous feats that exceed my understanding (Psalm 130:2). Let this truth be made clear. I was not haughty; I did not seek to be renowned among men for my extraordinary abilities; neither did I aspire to anything beyond my grasp, which would give me cause for boasting before those ignorant of such gifts. Much like Simon the Magician, who sought to surpass others through miraculous achievements rather than seeking the righteousness of the faithful... As he states, “What is beyond my capacity, I did not seek; there I did not aspire to be exalted.” We must diligently guard against the folly of self-exaltation amidst the abundance of grace; lest anyone become prideful over the gifts of God, we should remain humble, adhering to the wisdom of Sirach 3:18, "The greater you are, the humbler you are."

If I had cradled lofty thoughts, puffed up like one weaned from his mother's embrace, Psalm 130:2 would bear witness to a dire fate for my soul. It is akin to placing a curse upon myself, suggesting, "Let it come to pass." Just as one who has been weaned from breastfeeding may be the outcome of my soul. The Apostle reminds certain weaker souls, "I have nourished you with milk, and not with meat; for until now you were not able to bear it, nor are you now" (1 Corinthians 3:2). There are feeble individuals who find strong sustenance unsuitable; they strive to grasp what is beyond their reach; and if they manage to seize or perceive something unattainable, they swell with pride. This is often the folly of all heretics, who, in their carnal nature, prop up their flawed views, oblivious to their inaccuracies, excluding themselves from the true Church.

Indeed, while differing opinions may provide alternative interpretations, my brethren, it is evident where God desires our humility and where He calls us to ascend. To be humble is to avoid the snares of pride; to be elevated is to welcome wisdom. We are to begin with the nourishment of milk for our growth, progressing until we can partake of solid food. It seems the psalmist conveys this notion: had I not cultivated humble thoughts, nor elevated my spirit—if I had not possessed the innocence of a child in understanding—I would be in peril. In this light, the phrase “Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes exalted” resonates deeply: I do not occupy myself with great actions or miracles that are beyond my capability. Here, I remain a child in wickedness. Yet, since I am not a child in discernment, if I were not to entertain humble thoughts but exalt my soul, may I receive the fate of one weaned from his mother's care, ultimately able to consume solid food.

This interpretation does not trouble me, as it aligns with our faith. However, I cannot ignore the profound implication present in the phrase "As one weaned from milk, so may my soul be rewarded," which further states, "As one who was weaned from milk while still on his mother's breast." This suggests a curse, for it is not the infant, but the mature child who separates from the milk; indeed, the true infant often remains in his mother's embrace—if removed too soon, he faces peril. The mention of “on the mother's breast” serves a significant purpose. While growth may lead one to wean from milk, it is detrimental for the immature to leave their mother’s comfort too early. Thus, we must be vigilant, dear brethren, and cautious lest we be taken from the nurturing milk before we are ready...

Let not one who is unready desire to elevate himself when he is insufficiently prepared to partake in solid nourishment; instead, let him adhere to the commandments of humility. He has opportunities to prove himself: let him put his trust in Christ, seeking understanding in Him. For he cannot comprehend the Word or appreciate the equality of the Word with the Father, nor see the Holy Spirit's equality with both the Father and the Word; let him believe and draw sustenance from it. He is secure, for upon maturing, he will partake of what he could not grasp before, having first absorbed the foundational truths. He has a destination to aspire to. Do not pursue endeavors beyond your current understanding or strength, and refrain from seeking mysteries you are not yet capable of grasping. What shall I do? You may ask. Should I remain stagnant? Heed the Lord’s commands—reflect on them constantly (Sirach 3:22). What does the Lord command? Engage in works of mercy, maintain your peace within the Church, place not your trust in man, and avoid testing God through the pursuit of wonders…

For if you do not raise yourself up, if you do not set your heart on lofty ambitions or engage in endeavors beyond your capacity, but rather maintain a humble disposition, God will unveil truths to you that you currently misunderstand (Philippians 3:15). However, if you persist in defending views contrary to the Church’s unity, you invite the curse described in the psalm—when you are nurtured like an infant but taken from your milk, you risk spiritual starvation without the nourishment of your mother's care. But should you remain within the embrace of the Catholic community, despite personal folly, God shall reveal to you the truth, if you remain humble. Why? Because God opposes the proud and grants grace to the lowly.

Thus, this psalm concludes with the exhortation: "Israel, trust in the Lord from henceforth and forever" (Psalm 130:3). The term "seculum" does not merely denote this present age but can also signify eternity, which may be perceived in two ways: as eternal without end or as a journey toward eternity. How should we interpret this here? Until we arrive at eternity, we will lean on the Lord God; for upon reaching eternity, there shall be no further hope, but rather the fulfillment of that which is eternally ours.

The essence of these words conveys that not only have I steered clear of this malady, which is pride, and separated myself from those tainted by it, but I have also fervently embraced the opposing virtue of humility and modesty. I possessed such humility, akin to that of a child still nourished at its mother's breast, who is devoid of arrogance. The Lord laid down this principle for His disciples when He stated, ‘Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.’ Moreover, He not only referenced a child weaned from its mother’s milk but also illustrated a sense of sorrow. For just as a recently weaned child may cry and grieve yet remains close to its mother, I, in my sorrow and need amid many struggles, was always in the presence of God. If I have not embodied this, then let my soul be duly recompensed, meaning let me endure the severest form of punishment. The revered Nikita of Stiphaty reflects on the state of a weaned child, expressing that I approached you, O Lord, with a heart softened by humility, much like an infant who eagerly remembers the sweetness of milk, pleading with its mother to show mercy in allowing it to nurse once more, or to be fed with ordinary food. Theodoret adds that my soul shall be recompensed if I, similar to a weaned infant who is shy before his mother, have not shown proper reverence and obedience to You.

We ought to strive for a balance between timid humility and arrogance, such that we may possess a humble heart while nurturing an elevated soul and mind. He goes on to affirm, 'As I rest on my mother, so exalt my soul.' It is noteworthy that when Isaac was weaned, Abraham celebrated with a feast, as the weaning indicated his maturation beyond the stage of relying solely on milk. The apostle nourishes those who are still immature in faith and are spiritual infants with the milk of knowledge. Therefore, reaching the point of needing no more milk is a significant milestone. The joyful proclamation made by Abraham when his son moved to solid food parallels the apostle’s refusal to provide sustenance to those who are carnally minded and to those still in the early stages of their faith journey in Christ. Consequently, the prophet petitions God in this manner; he does not elevate his heart nor pursue endeavors that are 'great' and 'marvelous' beyond his grasp. Since his thoughts are unbending, he has lifted up his soul, and he can honor his soul, which, like a weaned child beside its mother, signifies that he may indeed be regarded as a true child. He claims that he is worthy of receiving the genuine, heavenly, and sustaining Bread, having moved beyond the earlier reliance on milk as evident through his actions.

If David indeed penned this psalm following a national disappointment (cf. v. 3), he could be asserting that his demeanor was not due to pride but rather a sense of calm and commitment to the Lord despite the setbacks (vv. 1, 2).

When he speaks of "eyes lifted up," he is referring to an attitude of arrogance towards others. "Walking in greatness" implies making lofty ambitions. The phrase "Above me" denotes that he refrains from engaging with those grandiose matters that surpass his abilities. The expression "If not" resembles a common oath, suggestive of a commitment akin to “God punish me,” and can be interpreted as "Truly!" The imagery of a weaned child depicts perfect tranquility, as a child who no longer desires its mother’s milk sleeps peacefully at her side. David likens himself to such a child, unmarred by desires, resting comfortably in God’s presence. Hence, the transition back to the weaned child signifies the grace and divine reward that sustains his calmness; he encourages the people not to lose heart.