Psalm 37 (36):19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Furthermore, it can be understood that the righteous will be sustained by the assurance of future blessings and will not be solely dependent on physical sustenance; for Scripture reminds us that “man shall not live by bread alone” (Deuteronomy 8:3). The concept of hunger may also be interpreted metaphorically, representing all human needs, with satisfaction found in God’s presence and joy. Cyril’s words suggest that the righteous will enjoy an abundance of divine favor during difficult times. Conversely, this passage also implies that those who transgress will endure a famine of spiritual truths that adhere to the Divine commandments. Those lacking spiritual leaders amid persecution will find nourishment directly from the Lord Himself, through His Spirit, as believers are sustained in faith. Theodoret interpreted this hunger as a yearning to hear the word of the Lord.

“For the meek shall inherit the earth ... and shall dwell in it forever” (Psalm 36:11, 29). The means by which we can possess this land is explained by the prophet with the words, “Trust in the Lord, and hold fast his way: and he will raise you up to inherit the land” (Psalm 36:34). It is evident that only those who, with unwavering meekness and patience, adhere to the ways and commandments of the Lord can be drawn away from the defilements of carnal desires and elevated by Him. Therefore, “the meek shall inherit the earth,” and not only will they inherit it, but “they shall also enjoy the multitude of the world” (Psalms 36:11), a reward out of reach for those still entangled in the strife of lust. Such individuals will surely succumb to the harsh afflictions of demons and be tormented by the fiery arrows of desire, losing their hold on the land until the Lord brings an end to the wars that beset them, breaking the bow and shattering the spear, setting ablaze the chariots (Psalm 45:10) through that which He came to cast upon the earth (Luke 12:49). He will also conquer the spirit and the spear that the spiritual adversaries wage upon the soul, constantly assailing it day and night with the fiery arrows of passions. Thus, when the Lord intervenes to halt these battles, freeing the individual from the heat of lust, he shall reach a state of purity where, upon the removal of his fearful turmoil, he will begin to inhabit his body as a sanctified dwelling. “For no evil shall come upon thee, and no pestilence shall come near thy dwelling” (Psalms 90:10), as the prophetic word assures, granting that through patience he shall achieve not only the inheritance of his territory but also partake in the abundance of peace (Psalms 36:11). Where confusion reigns in conflict, peace cannot flourish. The Psalmist mentions not merely peace but a multitude of peace, indicating that patience serves as a profound remedy for the heart, as stated by Solomon: “A meek man is a physician to the heart” (Proverbs 14:30). This virtue extinguishes the passions of anger, sorrow, despair, vanity, pride, and fleshly lusts in general. The person who embodies consistent meekness and tranquility remains untouched by anger, bitterness of sorrow, the allure of vanity, and the prideful spirit. Great is the peace of those who love the law of the Lord, for they face no obstacles (Psalm 118:165). Hence, it is rightly stated, “He who endures long is better than the brave, and he who possesses himself is better than the conqueror of a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Thus, until we attain a firm and enduring peace, we must endure numerous trials. Often, we should lament with groaning and tears, expressing the words: “But I am poor and miserable. For my loins are full of inflammation, and there is not a whole place in my flesh ... from your wrath; there is no peace in my bones from my sins” (Psalm 39:18, 37:4, 8). Truly, we will weep when, after a prolonged period of bodily purity, we mistakenly believe ourselves to be free from fleshly impurities, only to find the lusts of the flesh rising again, unsettling our hearts, as we are beset once more with unclean thoughts. It often occurs that as one enjoys extended purity of heart and body, they may become vain, confident that this purity is secure, proclaiming, “I have spoken in my prosperity: I will not be shaken forever” (Psalm 29:7). But when the Lord withdraws, leaving them for their own benefit, they may find their purity disrupted, realizing their reliance on self was misplaced, and therefore they turn back to the Creator of purity, recognizing their fragility and confessing: “According to Thy good pleasure, O Lord, Thou hast strengthened my mountain; but Thou hast hidden Thy face, and I am troubled” (Psalm 29:8). They might echo the lament of blessed Job: “Though I wash myself with snowy water, and cleanse my hands completely, even then Thou wilt cast me into the mud, and my garments shall be abhorred by me” (Job 9:30-31). However, those who find themselves in uncleanness due to their own fault cannot address such words to the Creator. Until one reaches a perfect state of purity, they are bound to experience frequent turmoil of passion. Yet by God's grace, as they are strengthened in their desired purity, they will be honored to declare: “I trusted in the Lord, and He leaned on me, and heard my cry; He brought me up out of the dreadful ditch, out of the silty mire, and set my feet upon a rock, and strengthened my feet” (Psalm 39:2-3).

In days of want, they shall be satisfied—this means that not only will they be free from embarrassment when they request sustenance during widespread famine, but they will also possess enough from their resources to eat until they are content. This promise may find partial fulfillment in our current age, yet its ultimate realization awaits in the future; for following this life, a significant drought will occur, when no one will be able to plant or harvest, and the wealthy in torment will cry out for just a drop of water but receive nothing. In contrast, the righteous, who have forsaken all earthly treasures and laid up their riches in heaven, will inherit eternal life. They will not feel disgrace in their requests, as the wise virgins did when they asked, "Give us of your oil" (Matthew 25:8), but they will be abundantly filled when the glory of the Lord is revealed to them (Psalm 16:15).