Psalm 37 (36):24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He was accused, "You have a devil, who himself casts out demons." Perhaps you are apprehensive about strife and the schemes of the wicked. A plot was indeed devised against Him. You may find it difficult to clear your conscience in any accusation, enduring injustice and maltreatment as false testimony is levied against you. Falsehoods were brought against Him not only prior to His crucifixion but also after His resurrection.

However, an astute fighter, aiming for the victor's crown, may willingly kneel to outmaneuver their opponent. Even in a fall, they are not disqualified, and if a mightier foe overwhelms them, they still strive to continue the fight, relying on their hands for support, and they retain their reward unless they yield completely or sustain a serious injury. The nature of wrestling often leads to repeated contests, for setbacks are frequent, and the final result remains uncertain. The term used for defeat in wrestling, in Greek, is πτώματα. When an athlete encounters challenges, they may be taken down and rolled over, resulting in a reversal of positions, where the one who was once beneath rises above to overpower their previous conqueror. This may reflect the scripture's message: “Thou hast changed his whole bed in his sickness” (Psalm 40:4). Thus, it is said of the valiant competitor, that when a deserving athlete falters, they do not despair. Some wrestlers, anticipating a chance to win sooner, may even invite the challenge of being taken down. Even if they are labeled the loser in earlier matches, they are not eliminated from contention. They may be permitted to re-enter the contest, and it is not uncommon for them to triumph subsequently, with prior victors being outmatched. Therefore, the righteous, when faced with challenges, do not abandon their pursuit of godliness and faith; they remain vigilant, seek repentance, and are often renewed. This is why Peter inquires, “If my brother sins against me, how many times should I forgive him? Up to seven times?” To which Jesus replies, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Mt 18:21-22, cf. Lk 17:3-4). Remember, we are athletes subject to persecution; some may stumble, while others are nearly toppled. Pay heed to the words: “The Lord upholds all who are faltering, and lifts up all who are bent down” (Psalm 144:14). David also articulates through prophecy: “They pushed me hard that I might fall, but the Lord helped me” (Psalm 117:13). While Jesus faced strikes, He did not fall; if He raises the downtrodden, He Himself cannot falter. The scriptures affirm that a righteous person, upon falling, can rise again: “Do they not, having fallen, get up? And having turned aside, return?” Woe to those who stray into shameful rebellion (Jer 8:4-5).

Origen adds a beautiful insight: those who faltered in the initial battle were victorious in the third. One can assert that despite their falling, they were not shattered, as they triumphed afterwards. If you observe someone who has been defeated but, after that setback, does not surrender to lust or immorality but instead rises again, recalling the scripture that states, “He who falls does not get up, and he who turns away will not be converted” (Jeremiah 8:4), then you can affirm that though they fell, they remain unbroken. Conversely, if a person grows weary after a fall, then they have been broken. It is advantageous for the ascetic to avoid falling, yet if a fall occurs, it is imperative to rise. Those who succumb to sin after falling are the ones who remain defeated. If a youth has overcome you, strive for victory over humanity; if you stumble among the young, engage in the battle anew and emerge victorious.

Should a righteous person encounter adversity or trials, akin to obstacles along life's journey, they will not be crushed or entirely succumb to the weight of their struggles. Instead, they will remain unbroken, as the Lord, through His assistance and Providence, fortifies their hands to prevent them from succumbing to harm. Likewise, if they face temptation to sin, they will not be overwhelmed, meaning they will not yield to grave sin or forget their reverence for God and their faith; the Lord, in His grace, will grant them the strength to resist.