Psalm 37 (36):21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Acts of thankfulness are acknowledged, yet they are not offered in return. What is being withheld? Acts of gratitude. What is it that God desires from you? What does He expect, if not what will ultimately benefit you? Consider the vast goodness the sinner has been granted yet fails to reciprocate.

The transgressor takes without the intent to return. The transgressor fails to express gratitude for the gifts bestowed by God. In contrast, the upright person displays generosity and shares abundantly. He gives with an open heart, following the example set by his Lord.

This also aligns with the character of the Apostle Paul: a just individual shows compassion and provides for others. Observe how he shares the teachings of the Lord and engages in lending with expectation of return. He took one mina and repaid two; he took two minas and returned four; he started with five and gave back ten (cf. Lk. 19:16). A mina is a Greek currency unit equivalent to 100 drachmas. He did not conceal what he received but entrusted it to the money changers, expecting to gain what he had given with interest. The one who accepted this was liberated from great sin, for the Master's possessions remained intact, and he earned a just reward—he was appointed ruler over ten cities.

Saul embodies the individual who consistently received the grace of the divine David yet failed to reciprocate kindness towards his benefactor. In contrast, the blessed David, reflecting the nature of his Master, who illuminates both the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45), continued to extend favor. This parallels the experience of the Jews, who received diligent attention from the holy Apostles, despite exhibiting a violent inclination, while the divine Apostles generously bestowed heavenly gifts upon them.

The sinner, it is stated, not only refuses to offer assistance from his own resources but also neglects to settle the debt owed for a borrowed amount; such is his merciless and rebellious nature. In contrast, the righteous individual is characterized by generosity. The righteous one not only repays debts owed to others but also shares abundantly and offers charity from his own assets to those in need. Alternatively, one might interpret this to mean that the righteous, aware of the sinner's ingratitude, still chooses to extend help during his time of need. An example is found in the story of Saul, who received numerous blessings from the divinely favored David; yet, he chose not to reciprocate his benefactor's kindness. However, the blessed David mirrored the Lord's generosity, who causes his sun to shine on both the just and the unjust.

It is preferable for the upright to possess a modest amount than for the wicked to have an abundance of riches. Frequently, the affluent sinner will acquire wealth from another sinner without returning it. Sinful wealthy individuals, in addition to their riches, indulge excessively, adorn themselves extravagantly, and construct grand homes, which leads them into constant debt. Conversely, the righteous person, who understands the proper use of resources, may have little but generously shares with those in need. He offers without expecting anything in return, and as he acts with generosity, he finds true richness, in alignment with the saying: the generous hand will never be empty (Sir. 20:10).

The ungrateful Israelites, despite receiving numerous blessings from Christ the Savior, fail to express gratitude or give glory to God. In contrast, the apostles, whose lives are transformed by divine grace, generously share their spiritual abundance, offering praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. When a sinful person is afflicted by demonic forces, the enemy, with God’s allowance, does not relent in his fury, resisting the call to repentance. Yet, in His mercy, God liberates individuals from the malice of the adversary, bestowing upon them every grace necessary for salvation.