Psalm 34 (33):13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, since these days are facets of this present time, the Apostle instructs us: 'Redeeming the time, because the days are evil' (Eph. 5:16). Jacob also declares that 'the days of my years are few and full of trouble' (cf. Gen. 47:9). Consequently, we find ourselves not in life, but in a state of death. For this reason, the Apostle cries out, 'Who will rescue me from this body of death?' (Rom. 7:24). Yet, there exists another kind of life to which we are called by the Word. While our current days may be 'evil,' there are 'good' days ahead that are not overshadowed by night, for God will be their everlasting light, illuminating them with His glorious presence. Therefore, when you hear of 'good' days, do not assume the promise pertains to this life; for the transient days shaped by the flesh are corruptible, and that which is corruptible cannot befit what is incorruptible. However, if the soul is immortal, then the gifts bestowed upon the soul must also be eternal. And 'the fashion of this world passeth away' (1 Cor. 7:31). If the law contains a shadow of the blessings to come, envision some joyful and holy Sabbaths of eternal celebrations, but do so within the framework of the spiritual law!

Jacob expressed a similar sentiment when he stated: few and evil have been the days of my life (Gen. 47:9). Likewise, Paul emphasized the need to redeem the time, because the days are wicked (Eph. 5:16). Instead, he speaks of the days filled with true goodness, which pertain to the life yet to come. This present age also offers days illuminated by the unfathomable light of God, and good days characterized by everlasting and indescribable joy.

This, then, is the promise of St. David: to instruct how to lead a joyful life on earth. The principles he offers are the essential conditions for a tranquil and harmonious existence within society. Refrain from speaking ill, do not flatter or deceive, avoid causing harm, strive to do good as much as possible, and live in peace with all; in doing so, you will find contentment, earn respect, be loved, and suffer no offense or insult. Consequently, your days will be filled with goodness, and your life with joy. This represents the primary insight generated by this verse. However, to focus solely on this aspect would not fully encompass the prophetic promise’s depth. It is indeed true that those who adhere to these guidelines often experience a peaceful life; nevertheless, at times, the very observance of these principles can disrupt their tranquility, transforming good days into difficult ones. Thus, it is more accurate to suggest that the holy Prophet does not confine the fulfillment of the promised blessing to this present existence; rather, he expands the rewards of a God-fearing life to encompass eternity. The holy Apostle Peter provides guidance in this matter. In the third chapter of his First Epistle, he urges believers not to repay evil with evil but to extend blessings instead, as Christians are called to inherit a blessing. This inheritance is ultimately eternal. Additionally, he references the words of the prophet David: "He that would love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil" (1 Pet. 3:10). What he previously termed a blessing is now presented as the concept of "belly" and "good days." Hence, it is evident that the holy Apostle perceived in this life the promise of eternal life, and in the good days, the joy of blessed eternity. St. Basil the Great and Blessed Augustine express a similar thought, merging the Prophet's message with the Apostle's teachings. The Prophet inquires: does anyone desire life, not just the ordinary existence shared by mere mortals, but true life, unending and untouched by death? Christ embodies this true life, and our authentic existence is found in Him. Likewise, the "good days" referred to are not limited to these current times, which are filled with evil, as the world is enveloped in darkness. That is why the Apostle instructs us to redeem the time, for these days are indeed evil. We find ourselves not in true life, but rather as if in the grip of death, prompting the Apostle's prayer: "Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Rom. 7:24). There exists another form of life to which Scripture calls us. While our present days are challenging, there are other days, filled with goodness, that will not be overshadowed by darkness, as God Himself will be an everlasting light, illuminating them with His glorious radiance. Thus, when you hear of good days, do not assume the promise pertains to this earthly existence; for the days produced by the natural sun are transient, and what is corruptible cannot truly be a gift to those who are incorruptible. If our souls are eternal, then the gifts they receive must also be everlasting. However, the appearance of this world is passing away (1 Cor. 7:31). The Prophet further questions: who longs for days of goodness? Is not everyone eager to respond: "I do"? Who does not cherish the belly and yearn for days of delight? Is there not a familiar lament: "How long shall we endure this? Each day appears worse than the last. Our forebears had it better." But if one had inquired of the ancestors, they too would have expressed grievances about their days: "Our ancestors were blessed, but we feel bitterness; our days are troubling." Yet, good days are not to be found in worldly pursuits. You pursue good deeds but seek them in the wrong places. Just as one would fail to find virtuous individuals in an unvirtuous environment, the same is true here. You seek good days; thus, let us together seek the true cause of goodness, but not in the visible realm. How could our ancestors have found joy on earth, you ask? This belief is misguided. All life on earth involves struggle and hardship. Study the Scriptures, given for our instruction and solace, and you will see. Consider the days of Elijah, when famine was such that mothers resorted to dire measures (4 Kings 6:26-30). Abraham encountered hunger and hardship, despite inwardly cherishing hope (Gen. 12-25). Did St. Paul experience good days, considering he often faced hunger, thirst, cold, and exposure (2 Cor. 11:27)? Yet, let not the faithful complain; He Himself endured no pleasant days in this life, facing scorn, ridicule, the Cross, and every possible hardship. Thus, do not misinterpret the prophet's promise as a guarantee of blissful days on earth. A new, everlasting age will arrive: in that time, there will be true good days.

It suggests that I intend to reveal the advantages of fearing the Lord, and now I will fulfill that promise, declaring that its rewards are what all people seek, yet few manage to achieve. This constitutes the genuine and blessed existence—the culmination and outcome of reverence for God. Yet, for anyone wishing to attain this life, it is essential to undertake the necessary steps I will soon detail; for those who proclaim their desire for a blessed life but do not follow the path leading to it seem not to seek the genuine life earnestly, but rather a mere shadow or illusion of it. Who is the individual who truly longs for life? In other words, who sincerely and directly yearns for authentic life, who has a genuine love for witnessing days filled with goodness, joy, and bliss?