Psalm 37 (36):16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is quite simple for the sword, which serves as the tool of persecution, to strike your physical form, much like how the blades of oppressors reached the bodies of the martyrs. However, while the body may be struck, the spirit remains untouched; conversely, the heart of the one wielding the sword against a righteous individual is evidently harmed. This notion is illustrated in the Psalm, which states, "Their weapons, that is, their sword, shall not penetrate their own bodies, but their weapons shall pierce their own hearts." They seek to take life from the body, yet let them face the death of the spirit. The Lord provides solace to those whose lives are threatened by affirming: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul" (Matthew 10:28).

A small portion granted to the righteous is more valuable, indicating that even a modest blessing from the Lord surpasses all worldly wealth.

Service or philosophy? One can master the art of language like some of the worldly thinkers. They speak of the movements of celestial bodies, the stars, Jupiter and Saturn, the beginnings of humanity, idol worship, as well as geometry and logic. These thinkers may be eloquent, yet they lack true faith and understanding of the truth. Conversely, the servants of the Lord are often unassuming individuals; their rhetorical skills may be limited, but they shine in self-control and righteousness. The former deceive many with their dishonest narratives, while the latter proclaim the faith to those chosen. The former continually lose their ministers in this age, whereas the priest enriches the humble nations with the faith and brings them into the Church. All who have experienced the goodness of their efforts can affirm: Better is the little of the righteous than the vast wealth of the wicked.

The prophet emphasizes that possessing the one essential thing and living in truth is far superior to unjust wealth and overflowing abundance. He further illustrates the outcomes of both paths by stating: For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord will fortify the just.

To those who are virtuous, it is preferable to possess a modest amount of both movable and immovable goods alongside integrity, rather than to hold vast riches tainted by deceit and covetousness, as is the case with sinners. Thus, we ought not to envy or be motivated to copy the actions of those who unjustly accumulate wealth, but instead aim to follow the example of the just, seeking a smaller, yet honorable, prosperity. The sinner may find themselves wealthy, indulging in temporary pleasures, yet they ultimately have nothing but these earthly delights. In contrast, the humble and righteousness-loving individual turns away from such desires, cherishing the noble simplicity of a gentle, unadorned existence, which is far superior to the ill-gotten gains of the wicked. Also, it is stated that being satisfied with truth is far better than possessing wealth acquired through unlawful means.

To prevent the upright poor from envying the wicked wealthy, leading them away from the truth and into wrongdoing, the Prophet offers protection through these two verses. They teach that it is more desirable for the righteous to possess a little than for the sinner to accumulate great riches. In essence, modest gains are more beneficial for the just than abundant wealth is for the unrighteous, making the poor righteous far more blessed than the rich sinner. Thus, it is preferable to seek righteousness with a small fortune than to pursue vast wealth through injustice.

The humble state of the righteous is preferable to the wealth of the unrighteous, for while the righteous may lack material possessions, they possess all that truly matters (2 Cor. 6:10). A little achieved in reverence to God is more commendable than abundant success obtained with shame. When faced with your own inadequacies, hold onto the words of Christ the Saviour: seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you (Luke 12:31).