Psalm 37 (36):10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The destination of the sinner What is implied by ‘the destination of the sinner’? It refers to his ultimate fate. Does the sinner possess a fate? Indeed, he does. God utilizes it to refine the righteous, similar to how the adversary was employed to challenge Job, and how Judas was chosen to betray the Messiah. There exists a purpose in this life that is fulfilled through the actions of the sinner. This is his role, much like the way dross has its designated place in the goldsmith's furnace.

Regarding those who resist redemption and persist in their transgressions, the prophecy declares: A little while longer, and the wicked shall not be; you shall look for his place, and he will be no more (Psalm 36:10). How can the sinner find a lasting existence when the realm of sin is not meant to endure? Consider the perspective of Origen: sei. In ps. 36. 2. 5. This earth opened its mouth (Gen. 4:11) to receive the innocent blood; hence, there exists a space for sins on this earthly plane, yet this earth shall ultimately fade away. Therefore, where can a sinner be accommodated? It seems evident that God ordained the creation of a firmament to divide the waters above from the waters below (See: Gen. 1:6-7), distinguishing between sins and virtues.

For it is certain that those who place their faith in divine assurance and embrace a humble way of life will enjoy a state of serenity and harmony, discovering continual fulfillment in the clarity of their conscience. In contrast, those who depend on fleeting success will face a swift downfall and will ultimately fade into oblivion.

Yet, in a short time, there will be no more sinners. The sinner, as he states, shall not remain long on this earth: their wickedness is destined for destruction, even if they appear to endure for a while. When we assert that the sinner seems to persist, it is not out of fear on our part, but rather a reflection of God's patience, which allows them to continue for a season. As Cyril explains, human life is fleeting, and the span of physical existence is brief. Consequently, the sinner, being overtaken by the end of life, will not perceive their final destination, for they will undoubtedly descend into perdition. Those who remain will not recognize their fate.

For it is written, 'The wrongdoers will be consumed,' thus it is stated that this will occur swiftly. Furthermore, it is indicated that a short time shall pass, and the sinner, who once appeared to thrive, will no longer be found upon the earth; you will seek his place among people, yet it will not be discovered, for he has vanished unexpectedly, like a fruitless tree uprooted. However, the gentle, meaning those who do not complain or provoke God's wrath upon witnessing the prosperity of the wicked but rather endure with patience and humility, will inherit the earth—not merely the transient world in which we dwell as travelers, but the enduring realm of the living, which is the true earth, spoken of by the Lord in Matthew 5:5: Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

The essence of the Gospel speaks powerfully, warning the unrighteous, “This night your soul will be required of you.” Even if their physical dwelling remains, it is clear that the wicked will no longer be found there, just as the adversary will no longer dwell in the place of heavenly glory, destined instead for the shadows of the abyss.