Psalm 37 (36):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Here are the thoughts to consider: The wicked plots against the righteous and grits his teeth at him (Psalm 36:12). Yet the Lord will scoff at him (Psalm 36:13). Who is He laughing at? Clearly, it is the sinner who bears animosity toward another. But why does the Lord find amusement in him? For He knows that His day of reckoning will arrive. Though the sinner may appear filled with rage, unaware of the consequences that tomorrow holds, he justly issues threats. However, the Lord perceives and anticipates His designated day. What is this day? It is the moment when He will reward every individual according to their actions. For He is storing up His wrath for the day of judgment and the unveiling of God's righteous justice (Rom. 2:6, 5). The Lord knows this; you do not see it.

The sinful oppress the just, which can be interpreted as a reference to the devil. However, the Psalmist offers solace to those who are wronged by highlighting that the wicked are troubled and pained by those who seek peace, while the just Judge finds amusement in their schemes, knowing their swift downfall is imminent.

Angry individuals often exhibit visible signs of their fury, but a wicked heart possesses a silent viciousness that causes profound harm without uttering a sound. Deceit, falsehood, and malice represent the instruments of the unrighteous. The wicked schemes against the upright driven by envy, for the life of the righteous exposes the flaws of the unrighteous. With just a glance, the righteous person conveys a silent reprimand to the sinner, condemning him more profoundly than if he shouted aloud. However, the righteous has no reason to be troubled by the whisperings of the sinner, as their unrepentant nature cannot last forever. While their plots may be fleeting, the foundation and shelter of virtue endure eternally. The demise of the sinner abolishes all his influence and cunning.

The prophet brings solace to those who feel wronged. He reveals how the wicked become enraged and lash out at those who cherish a peaceful existence, yet the Just Judge mocks their efforts, for He anticipates the swift downfall of the unrighteous.

On the sidelines, it is stated that the wicked will observe the just one with malice, gritting his teeth in a desire to harm him, which illustrates the profound anger and animosity harbored within his soul. In this context, the wicked refers to the adversary, who vigilantly observes the righteous and expresses his fury against us.

The envy of the wicked When the wicked observes the upright living out their faith, a unique sense of guilt stirs within them, causing them to grit their teeth and tremble in spirit. Unable to corrupt the virtuous, they quickly devise schemes to end their very existence.

The Holy Prophet encourages the just individual not to be overly troubled by the slanders of the wicked, for God vigilantly oversees their protection. The sinner observes the righteous, scrutinizing their every action and deed to discover a means of their downfall; yet when failure occurs, he grinds his teeth in frustration, much like a ravenous dog intent not only on injuring but also on utterly devouring his prey. However, the Lord, who perceives all and holds everything in His grasp—where not even a leaf falls without His decree—will mock him. And why does He do this? It is because He knows that the sinner's time of reckoning is approaching. This signifies that the hour of the sinner's destruction is imminent, and that he will be uplifted before he can inflict harm upon the righteous.

The demon held Christ the Lord in contempt, perceiving Him as nothing more than a human, and sought to completely annihilate Him. Similarly, the scribes and Pharisees, in their pursuit to find fault in Christ, aimed to bring about His ruin (Lk. 6; Lk. 14; Mt. 12). In like manner, demons continue to tempt every follower of Christ.