Psalm 37 (36):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The peace of God constitutes your treasure; the world serves as your riches, your possessions, your very existence, even your deity. What you yearn for, peace will also reflect your deepest longing. In this earthly realm, gold does not transform into silver for you at once; wine cannot fulfill the role of bread; light does not quench thirst. God will be everything to you. From Him, you will receive sustenance and never experience hunger; you will drink and never feel parched; His illumination will bring clarity, dispelling blindness; He will provide for you, and your needs will be met; He will keep you whole, as He is complete and undivided. In His presence, you will face no limitations, for He holds all that exists. With Him, all will be yours, for He encompasses everything. Your union with Him signifies the fullness of His being, the One who claims you as His own.

The joy of the virtuous individual lies in the abundance of creation and the tranquility of the spirit in the genuine guardianship of all that exists.

Those who cherish peace and are found worthy will receive the inheritance of the earth, as stated in the prophetic words of Isaiah: ‘on whom I rest but on the humble and contrite in spirit, and on him who trembles before My word.’ To be meek is to remain unshaken in any circumstance, free from anger and rage, and untouched by violent fury. It is clear that while they were in the flesh, their affections were not drawn to wine, banquets, or material wealth, but to the tranquility that comes from the Lord. Rather than seeking transient pleasures, which they recognized as deceptive, they pursued eternal grace and will ultimately rejoice in the abundant peace that surpasses all understanding.

For certain, those who place their faith in the Divine and opt for a humble existence will lead their lives in serenity and peace, discovering lasting contentment in a clear conscience. In contrast, those who depend on fleeting success will face swift downfall and will ultimately fade into oblivion.

The gentle will receive the earth. Those who are kindhearted and patient, overcoming their wrath, will inherit the land. The Lord affirmed in the Gospel, 'The meek shall inherit the earth' (Matthew 5:5), echoing the words He previously spoke through David and the prophets. It is appropriate for the gentle to possess the eternal earth, as they are often excluded from the benefits of this temporary existence due to their humility and lack of desire for material gain. They will experience an abundance of peace. The gentle, as mentioned, will dwell in a joyous and blessed land filled with great tranquility; for as Isaiah proclaimed, from there sickness, sorrow, and sighing have departed (Isaiah 35:10).

The directive of humility instructs us to embody meekness, for it is the meek who shall inherit the land. Exercise patience, show compassion, and remain humble, maintaining a good reputation, while always holding the words you have received in reverence. Avoid seeking exaltation or allowing your soul to become arrogant. Instead of aligning with the proud, embrace the righteous and the humble. Regard the challenging situations you encounter as opportunities for blessing, recognizing that everything occurs under God's sovereign will.

As much as an individual excels in humility and endurance, so too will they excel in the purity of their being. The further they distance themselves from the vice of anger, the more effectively they will achieve inner purity. One must first tame the turbulence of the soul to quell the body's unrest. This principle is underscored by the teachings of the Savior regarding the Beatitudes: ‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth’ (Matthew 5:5). Hence, our ability to take hold of our inheritance—symbolizing the unruly nature of our bodies being brought under our control—depends greatly upon fortifying our spirits with humility and patience. Without first arming oneself with gentleness, no one can break free from the battles waged by their carnal desires.

The future Jerusalem is described as a place where the gentle shall receive their inheritance. This city overflows with the sweetness of righteousness, where its residents do not toil for survival, but instead delight in heavenly matters. In this realm, individuals do not strive to exist but are granted the complete rest that their blessed souls yearn for. Here, the heart’s vision is filled with joyful longing; the soul experiences rejuvenation through deep contemplation, for all that it seeks will be fulfilled in the sight of the Lord's countenance.

“Blessed are the gentle,” declared the Savior, “for they shall possess the earth” (Matthew 5:5). What sort of earth is being referred to? Following the fall, God referred to Adam as the earth, which includes me as well: you are the earth, and to the earth you shall return (Genesis 3:19). As the earth, I find myself stripped of authority over this land; various passions rob me of it, particularly the raging anger that overwhelms me and leads me astray; I find myself lacking control over my own being. Yet, through gentleness, I regain this control and reclaim my rightful inheritance—my land, my very self, my flesh, my blood, my desires. The gentle shall inherit the earth and will delight in the abundance of the world (Psalm 36:11).

He declared that the evildoers will be eliminated; thus, he adds that this will occur rapidly. Furthermore, he states that after a brief period, the sinner, who once appeared to thrive, will no longer be seen among people: you will search for his place and will not find it, for he has vanished suddenly, much like a barren tree uprooted. However, the humble—those who do not complain nor provoke God despite witnessing the prosperity of the wicked, but instead endure with patience and gentleness what pleases the Lord—will possess the earth.

The humble apostles, prophets, martyrs, ministers, and other righteous individuals are promised the inheritance of the land of the living and delight in the abundance of the eternal realm, which knows no bounds. Receive instruction from me, for I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will discover peace for your souls (Matt. 11:29).