Psalm 4:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This is because external conflicts are less severe than the internal strife, which can inflict much greater harm. Just as trees suffer more from internal pests, and bodily health is more compromised by internal ailments, so too do cities face greater ruin from internal discord than from outside aggressors. Similarly, the soul is more often plagued by its own inner turmoil than by external calamities. Yet, the one who possesses a reverent fear of God can quell these inner battles, restrain their passions, and suffocate the vicious thoughts, thus experiencing profound and pure peace. This peace is a gift from Christ (John 14:27), a desire that Paul frequently expressed to believers: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:3; Galatians 1:3, etc.). The individual who possesses such peace does not fear not only external foes and barbarians but is also untroubled by the prince of darkness. They rise above adversity, feeling more at ease than any man, undeterred by poverty, illness, or any other unforeseen human misfortunes. Their soul, fortified and healthy, can endure all these challenges with grace and ease.

To illustrate this truth, consider the plight of an envious person who faces no external adversary. What solace can that bring? They are at war with themselves, their thoughts sharper than any sword, troubled by everything they see, tormented by every person they encounter, viewing all as adversaries. What benefit is there in external peace when they harbor such conflict within, carrying with them a multitude of weapons and wishing to suffer an endless cycle of torment rather than witness others prosper? Similarly, one consumed by the love of wealth is engulfed in internal discord and anxiety, perpetually uneasy. In contrast, the one liberated from passions enjoys a serene haven, experiencing true peace and refuge from turmoil. This is why the prophet rejoiced in God’s providence, stating, "I lie down and sleep in peace"—for a person devoid of this peace finds even the common respite of night elusive, shut off by the encumbrance of their passions which disrupt even natural rest, overpowering the gift of sleep. Those enslaved by envy, hatred, greed, and deceit travel the world with warfare in their hearts, unable to escape their turmoil. Even in the safety of home or the comfort of their beds, they are subjected to an incessant barrage of fears and distress, far more brutal than those inflicted by open conflict. Conversely, the righteous person experiences serenity even in the light of day and willingly surrenders to peaceful sleep at night.

What does it mean to be together? It entails a focused retreat inward, concentrating deeply rather than allowing oneself to be scattered by myriad distractions and trivial matters, but rather seeking the truth of one's own being and what is beneficial. "For You, Lord, have placed me alone with hope" highlights the intention of casting aside all unworthy passions. Similarly, Paul expresses that "For our brief light affliction produces in measureless excess an eternal glory, when we look not at the visible, but at the invisible" (2 Cor. 4:17, 18). Indeed, no labor feels burdensome when buoyed by the hope of God’s reward. Thus, the phrase "alone hath He put me in hope" emphasizes the strength that comes from the instruction to seek solitude from those steeped in corruption. The prophet asserts, "I have not sat with deceitful men, neither will I go with crafty men" (Psalms 25:4), and Jeremiah praises those who "sitteth solitary, and beareth the yoke of his youth" (Lamentations 3:27, 28). Additionally, Proverbs counsel against engaging with those who encourage wickedness, urging us to not only avoid them but to actively distance ourselves from their influence. Just as physical matter suffers from contact with impurities, so too do individuals vulnerable to moral corruption endure similar degradation.

If physical properties can diminish because of external taints, then human will is even more susceptible to change. Thus, we must not dismiss the danger of associating with the wicked. We should endeavor to avoid their company—whether they be friends or family—because such interactions have led great figures like Solomon and Samson to ruin, affecting entire nations. Generally, it is not wild beasts that bring about our downfall but the nefarious inclinations of humanity; their negative influence is often insidious, weakening virtue gradually. This is why Christ warns against lustful gazes: "Anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28)—revealing how swiftly and easily evil can spread.

When you plan to reside in a new area, do due diligence in assessing the environment for its potential hazards, yet when it comes to your soul, you often neglect similar precautions, entrusting it uncritically to anyone. How, I ask, can you expect divine grace if you show such disregard for your spiritual welfare? The ascetics in the deserts became renowned for their holiness precisely because they fled the distractions and clamor of worldly life, seeking refuge from the smog of human strife. Strive to find your own desert amidst the city—this is achievable by distancing yourself from the wicked and aligning yourself with the virtuous. Such a path will grant you greater security than those who dwell in solitude, not simply by avoiding the harmful but also by embracing the helpful. By following the righteous and avoiding the wicked, you will reap dual rewards: enhancing your own virtue while diminishing the influence of vice. Let us heed the words of the Psalmist: "For thou, O Lord, alone dost give me to dwell in safety." I conclude these reflections, trusting that I have adequately conveyed the essence of these teachings, in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be all glory and dominion, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The future tense of the verbs used emphasizes this; it is not said ‘laid down and fell asleep’ or ‘lie down and sleep,’ but rather: lie down and fall asleep. In that time, what is corrupt will be transformed into incorruption, and mortality will give way to immortality; then death will be vanquished in triumph. This sentiment aligns with the scripture, But when we hope for what we do not see, then we wait in patience (Rom 8:25).

I will sleep in peace regarding my body since it is no longer assailed by visible foes, and likewise for the soul, which is safeguarded from unseen adversaries. The phrase ‘I will rest’ conveys the idea that my rest shall be lengthy, extending until the resurrection day. For You, O Lord, the only One who has instilled hope in me, have distinguished me from the wicked, promising salvation. Some scholars suggest that the prophet here hints at resurrection, as if the body were expressing these words to God: ‘O Lord,’ it might be saying, ‘You have set me apart from my companion, the soul, by placing me in the grave; yet I am not entirely severed from all, but rather held in hope of resurrection, when I shall once more reunite with my soul.’ The term kako appears here somewhat superfluously; in this and various other instances, it exemplifies a characteristic of the Old Testament's language, lacking logical significance in discourse. However, it might be interpreted here as serving an affirming purpose, akin to stating truly or genuinely.