Psalm 19 (18):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Conversely, those who are consumed by a relentless craving for wealth expend every ounce of their energy in pursuit of it, yet are never satisfied. The love of money is an unquenchable thirst; like drunkards who, as they consume more wine, only grow more parched, so too do those who chase after riches find their desires ever escalating. Their greed fuels an unyielding passion, drawing them closer to moral ruin. If such individuals exhibit this destructive yearning— the root of all evils— we should endeavor even more to keep the judgments of the Lord in our thoughts, which surpass “gold, even much fine gold,” and place nothing above virtue. We must strive to purge these harmful inclinations from our souls, recognizing that ephemeral pleasures often lead to persistent sorrow and unending torment. We must not deceive ourselves into believing that this life concludes our existence.

If those who seek valuable gems from the depths of the sea endure countless hardships and expose themselves to turbulent waters in pursuit of their goal, how much more should we focus our efforts on uncovering that which lies concealed in the richness of Scripture, in hopes of discovering these precious truths? Beloved, do not be discouraged by the notion of depths. It is not chaotic waters but the grace of the Spirit that enlightens our minds, guiding us to find our objectives and rendering our quest far more manageable. The acquisition of earthly treasures often brings little benefit; frequently, they lead to troubles and distress. Finding such riches brings more burdens than joy, as it invites envy and ignites the greed of others. In this way, acquiring these earthly valuables proves not only unhelpful in our lives but also fosters significant animosity. Such possessions simply stoke the fires of avarice and torment the souls of those ensnared by this desire. The spiritual riches, however, provide none of these dangers; rather, they offer immeasurable value, and their joy is eternal and infinitely surpasses the fleeting satisfaction derived from material treasures. As David proclaims, "They are more coveted than gold, even much fine gold." Observe how he highlights the most highly valued substances, and rather than limiting himself with mere comparison, he emphasizes their abundance, thus revealing the supreme worth of God’s word. He declares it to be "more precious than gold" and "multitudes of pure gold." This does not suggest that the value of the divine words is confined to this measure; rather, he uses familiar treasures to demonstrate the unprecedented worth of the words imparted by the Spirit. Additionally, it is a customary practice in sacred Scripture to correlate the benefits they impart with earthly objects, thereby showcasing their superiority. “And sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb,” he adds, indicating that the sweetness of God’s words surpasses mere comparison, for David found nothing in earthly pleasures that could rival the sweetness of divine counsel, thus illustrating the dominance and supreme delight of spiritual wisdom.

For one who has already been liberated from the shackles of earthly existence and eagerly anticipates the day of joining God's feast, it remains to be seen if he will be like honey or merely resemble a honeycomb, ensconced in this life as though enveloped in wax. He is not blended with it, yet he encompasses it, patiently awaiting the divine influence that will not weigh him down but rather express his essence, allowing him to transition from temporal existence to eternal life. For such a person, God's judgments are sweeter than he could imagine, genuinely surpassing even the sweetness of honey and the honeycomb.

It is labeled 'law' because it enhances and perfects communal existence; 'testimony' for it serves as a witness against those who transgress and reveals the consequences for wrongdoing; 'justification' as it instructs on righteousness, prohibits wrongdoing, and identifies the virtuous as just; 'commandments,' as they assertively dictate what should be done; and 'destinies,' since they proclaim divine determinations, illustrating the blessings reserved for those who adhere to the law and the punishments awaiting those who violate it. Thus, the Prophet observes that God's 'law,' being without fault, transforms human souls and makes them blameless; while 'testimony' instills wisdom, particularly in the flawed and the naïve. The 'justifications' bring joy to the heart by revealing the basis of our justification, whereas the 'commandment' illuminates the understanding, guiding what is pleasing to the Almighty. Furthermore, reverence and the 'fear' of God, fostering the observance of His laws, lead to the attainment of eternal rewards. The Prophet rightly identifies the 'fear' of God as pure and beyond reproach, contrasting it with the fear of man, which is deemed timid; he also regards the 'destinies' as legitimate and just, as they establish rightful honors and penalties for individuals. Consequently, he asserts that these are more invaluable than gold and gems, and sweeter than honey, yet not for everyone, but for those who are genuinely wise, unlike the unthinking beasts of the field, as emphasized in the words of the same Prophet (Psalm 48:21).

He describes the commandments of the Lord as sweeter than the finest honeycomb, which is delightful in taste and appearance. Through these invaluable and sweet descriptions, the psalmist illustrates the allure and sweetness of God’s judgments and commandments. Malachi adds: The son honors the father, and a servant respects his master. If I am the Father, where is my honor? If I am the Lord, where is my reverence? (Malachi 1:6).