Psalm 36 (35):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He arrived because the Word became incarnate and dwelt among us. He was apprehended by the Jews; they mocked Him. As indicated in the Gospel, they accused Him, saying, ‘You have a demon,’ and He chose not to respond, for they remained in their sins, their hearts possessed by the devil. He refrained from voicing what, if He had chosen to do so, would have been accurate; however, it was not appropriate for Him to engage, lest it seem as though He were not proclaiming the Truth, but merely replying to malicious accusations. He disregarded their words, treating them as if He had not heard. As the Healer, He came to restore the one who was afflicted. A physician remains indifferent to what he may hear from a deranged individual; yet a madman may regain his sanity. Even if struck by a madman, the physician remains unconcerned—as long as he applies healing to the existing ailments. In the same way, the Lord approached the afflicted, the deranged, so that no matter what He bore or endured, He would disregard it, thereby teaching us humility. This humility instructs us to seek healing from pride, from which He prays, saying, "Let not the foot of pride tread upon me, nor let the hand of the wicked drive me away." For if pride takes root, the influence of sin shall follow. What does the hand of the wicked signify? It refers to the actions of those who counsel iniquity. Have you fallen into pride? Those who give wicked counsel are quick to bring corruption. Instead, humbly direct your heart towards God, and pay little mind to the words spoken against you. This brings to mind what is stated elsewhere: "From my hidden faults cleanse me; and keep Your servant from the sins of others." What does it mean, "From my hidden faults"? It is a plea to keep pride at bay. And what is the significance of, "Preserve Your servant from the sins of others"? It is a request not to let the hand of the wicked remove me. Guard what is within, and you will not fear external threats.

Consider the profound layers of meaning conveyed by the prophet. At the psalm’s outset, it depicts the wicked person expressing thoughts of sin, either internally or verbally (the Greek text has έν αύτφ, meaning ‘in himself,’ though some manuscripts do not include this phrase). This could relate to the expression, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalms 13:1), reflecting how foolishness manifests in the explicit denial of God. Thus, the wicked person sins within themselves. Many mistakenly regard unrighteous acts as commendable—robbing, wronging the innocent, deceiving—and often celebrate such behavior. The prophet, at the psalm’s beginning, describes the nature of the wicked, then proclaims God’s decrees so that those who revere Him may turn away from evil. He offers a prayer for God to vouchsafe the righteous from the grasp of the wicked, ensuring that divine justice similarly protects the pure in heart, like a vigilant guardian, to prevent the surprise assault of sins, akin to adversaries catching the unprepared off guard. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and guard the Lord’s stronghold, as darkness conceals the enemy, seizing the unsuspecting when all senses succumb to slumber and indulgence. We should beseech that divine justice fortify us, empowering our weakness, allowing us to declare: "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).

David prays earnestly for himself, guiding us on how to approach the Lord, stating, "Let not the foot of pride tread upon me" (Psalm 35:12), meaning, "Do not let me fall into arrogance." He also notes, "I have not occupied myself with things too great and too marvelous" (Psalms 130:1). Here, he offers a petition; there, he lives out his commitment—absent prayer, fulfillment is impossible. Pride can lead to downfall, often causing greater injury when one is elevated, much like Adam’s greater fall in paradise than on earth. To fall from loftiness is to crash from a peak, while slipping on level ground is far less severe. The proud stumble because they neglect to keep their focus (see Col. 2:19); wise individuals maintain their sight (Eccl. 2:14). It is no small wonder if one blinded stumbles; one’s steps follow one’s gaze. How do you navigate darkness, traveler? The foot is quick to falter at night, unless illuminated by the moon, the world’s eye, guiding us. You reside in the night of this age; the Church will lead your way, shining the light of righteousness (Malachi 4:2) upon you, so you need not fear slipping.

In recounting the perils of the proud, he adds, "And let not the hand of sinners shake me" (Psalm 35:12). Just as the saints are members of Christ (1 Cor. 6:15), so too are the wicked members of the devil. "Let not the hand of sinners shake me" implies that the actions of those in sin should not dissuade us from the truth. When we observe the prosperity of sinners, indignation can rise, as if the hand of the wicked is attempting to detach us from the roots of virtue. We must be cautious that the enemy’s influence does not uproot those whom God’s hand has established in His sanctuary (see Psalm 91:14). This resonates profoundly with words spoken by one enduring persecution and affliction. Those who detach from the spiritual foundation already laid in Christ are at risk of falling. Hence, the prophet concludes, "There fall those who do iniquity" (Psalm 35:13).