Psalm 49 (48):21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consequently, He implanted in humanity a base and instinctual mode of succession.

This informs the lament of King David, who, recognizing the frailty of humanity, articulates his sorrow with the words: “Man in honour hath no understanding,” indicating that the true honour lies in sharing the angelic nature. He further proclaims: “Thou shalt be joined to the unthinking cattle, and shalt be like them.” Indeed, those who have inclined their nature towards material desires have become akin to the beasts. Every passion arises from this flawed foundation, engendering a torrent of desires that flood human existence. The similarity of passions shared between humans and the unreasoning creatures demonstrates that it is unjust to ascribe the origins of sinful inclinations to human nature, which was created in the divine image.

However, since the voiceless beings also exist in the world, humanity, due to the aforementioned reasons, has absorbed characteristics from them, particularly in the manner of procreation. This borrowing extends to other traits observable in their nature, for the likeness of God is not found in humanity's irritable urges, nor is it rooted in the pleasures that dominate. Emotions such as fear, desire for excess, and aversion to lack do not exemplify the divine image. Consequently, humanity has inherited these traits from the unthinking beings. The innate self-preserving instincts of these creatures manifest as passions in human life.

Predatory animals are safeguarded by their aggressiveness; those that reproduce abundantly rely on their sensual desires; weak animals are protected by timidity; those being pursued by stronger foes resort to fear; and creatures with abundant flesh fall into gluttony. Their insatiable appetites lead to sorrow among these beings. These and similar qualities have invaded the essence of humanity due to its bestial origin.

Let me, akin to an artist, depict the human form in words. Just as there are sculptures that amaze viewers with their dual faces—one visage expressing two extremes—so too does humanity embody this duality. Within each person resides a divine intellect reflecting God’s beauty, alongside passionate desires reminiscent of animal nature. Often, the mind is overshadowed by these baser inclinations, leading to a state of bestiality. When the mental faculties are subservient to passions, the true goodness is transformed into a mere animalistic form. The mind, like a gardener, fosters these passions, nurturing and multiplying them through its complicity, resulting in a proliferation of vices.

For instance, while the desire for pleasure initially mimics the nature of the voiceless, it expands in human actions, producing a multitude of sinful behaviors not found in the animals. Likewise, the passion for anger evolves into vindictiveness, jealousy, deceit, malevolence, and hypocrisy—all birthed from the corrupt workings of the mind. If such contemplations assist passions, irascibility becomes a fleeting, powerless phenomenon, akin to a bubble on the water, which bursts at the slightest disturbance. Hence, the insatiable greed of swine leads to avarice, while the nobility of horses gives rise to pride. Everything derived from the unreasoning nature, when mismanaged by the mind, becomes a vice. Conversely, if the intellect governed these inclinations, they could metamorphose into virtues. Anger could transform into courage, hesitation into caution, fear into obedience, hatred into a disdain for vice, and love into a yearning for the truly good. Mastery over passions elevates the spirit and aligns thoughts with righteousness, as praised by the apostle, who instructs us to set our minds on heavenly things (Colossians 3:2). Thus, each elevated emotion, inspired by noble thoughts, reflects the divine beauty inherent in humanity’s creation.

However, given the heavy pull of sin, it often transpires otherwise. The weight of our animalistic nature drags the soul down, more than exalted thoughts can lift it. This is why our repentance frequently blinds us to God’s gifts, with base desires obscuring the beauty of the divine image within us. Observers may become hesitant to acknowledge the image of God reflected in humanity. In contrast, those who excel in virtue offer a clear reflection of the divine image. If one’s passionate and carnal nature obscures the divine beauty in someone, the purity and high virtue of others will affirm the beauty of the human form.

For clarity, let us consider examples: the allure of nature can be marred by the sins of an individual like Jechoniah, who tarnishes his reflection of divine beauty. However, in the lives of figures like Moses, the essence of that image remains unblemished. Therefore, where purity abides, the faithfulness of humanity’s divine likeness is evident. Others may feel shame, believing that our existence tied to the material undermines our claim to being made in the image of God. Yet, we can hope that our nature will ultimately be liberated from such servitude in the life to come. As the apostle states, the kingdom of God is not about food and drink (Romans 14:17), and the Lord foretold: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The resurrection points us towards a life resembling that of angels, who require no food, reaffirming that humanity will one day be released from this earthly burden and restored to the angelic likeness.

Thus, it is written: The children of adulterers shall be without offspring (Prem. 3:16). Whoever does not follow the Father in heaven but instead adheres to a parent entrenched in impurity is a child of an earthly father, for what is earthly pertains to the earthly (1 Cor. 15:48). As a result, his existence will likewise be earthly, devoid of peace beyond death, and he will not encounter light in eternity, since he pursued transient desires. Conversely, he who has embraced the glory of Christ and yearns for that illumination which enlightens every person entering the world (John 1:9) shall discover and behold eternal light, for Christ has redeemed him from death. He will then reflect alone on the realization that when he was in dignity, he did not perceive it. He who, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, was destined to resemble the angels will instead be compared to mute creatures. To Him be honor, glory, and eternal praise from everlasting, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

It is clear, therefore, that the good actions performed by humanity cannot be sinful, as goodness cannot be wrong. Such natural goodness is purely mental and lacks spiritual depth, offering no aid for salvation on its own, yet it also does not lead to condemnation; goodness cannot be the source of evil.

For those who have experienced rebirth, this natural inclination is elevated by grace, becoming complete and qualifying individuals for salvation. Although a person before rebirth may have a natural tendency toward goodness and may choose to perform morally good acts, in order to carry out spiritual good after being reborn—where the works of faith, originating from supernatural grace, are rightly referred to as spiritual—it is essential that grace precedes and guides this process. This is consistent with what is said about the predestined, ensuring that one cannot achieve works that merit life in Christ through their own efforts; rather, one can only choose to align their desires with the guidance of grace.

When hungry, they desire to be fed, and when naked, they seek clothing; when on a journey, they wish for hospitality but give none to others. They desire only the good for themselves, often doing evil to those around them. Individuals seek their own prosperity without regard for others’ welfare. This manifestation of self-love is both beastly and repugnant.

Pride is also evident in cattle, mirroring the behavior found in man. A destitute individual may degrade others to elevate himself, disparaging others while seeking self-glorification. This pride is characterized by accusations of others, while dismissing one’s own faults, harshly judging those around them while justifying their own actions. The desire for dominance is apparent in how they seek to control or command others, striving for recognition and honor from many. The extravagant manifestations of pride, ranging from lavish attire to sumptuous meals and opulent abodes, reflect a heart intent on self-aggrandizement. While pride seeks the spotlight, humility—the true virtue—prefers to remain concealed. It’s crucial to recognize that the more abhorrent a vice is in the eyes of God, the more often it is cloaked in disguise, recognized only by those who scrutinize their own hearts with diligence amidst trials.

We observe anger and wrath in cattle, similarities repeated in human behavior. The fury of man often leads to resentment and bitter disputes, provoking tumult and violence among individuals, especially the less fortunate. Animals display cunning and deceit, and likewise, humanity showcases these vices. Many wear a façade of goodness, while their true nature harbors malice, characterized by duplicity, flattery, and dishonesty. The act of stealing appears both in elephants and in men, who devise numerous methods, both blatant and covert, to rob their neighbors—especially common among merchants and those in positions of power. Gluttony, observable in animals, also manifests in mankind, as does impurity. Unclean habits are mirrored in both, with individuals indulging in excesses reminiscent of swine. Laziness also appears in human behavior, reflecting a disregard for personal well-being and spiritual salvation.

Yet the greatest curse lies within the unrenewed man; he embodies all the wickedness of beasts—boastful, wrathful, deceitful, sluggish, and impure. The human heart bears immense darkness and insidious evil! What a desolate state mankind has reached! Outwardly, man appears as God created him, yet within lurks a creature more foul than animals, for all the malevolence of beasts resides in him. O wretched man! What a lowly condition you have descended into by sinning against your Creator, succumbing to the serpent's deceit. O esteemed creation of God, made in His image—look at the degradation into which you have fallen! Where is your original radiance? Where are your virtues of holiness, purity, and truth? Where is the divine light that once illuminated your soul? All this has been lost! Sin has stolen your bliss and thrust you into a life of despair. It has robbed you of divine love and plunged you into deep darkness, transforming you into a caricature of your former self.

“Man, when he was in honor, did not understand, and became like the animals that perish” (Psalm 48:13, 21). He was once free but now finds himself in bondage; he was created holy and pure yet is now tainted and lowly. He was radiant but has now become darkened and ugly. He became a dwelling for unclean spirits instead of being a temple of the Holy Spirit. O, how tragic and profound this fall is! The moment man heeded the serpent’s counsel and disobeyed God's command is a day of mourning. “Remember, Lord, what has come upon us; look, and behold our reproach. Our inheritance has been turned to aliens, and our houses to strangers. We have become orphans and waifs, our mothers are like widows” (Lamentations 5:1, 15-17).

O fallen man, you who have been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity and have claimed the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God! Do you perceive the abomination that resides in your heart? What benefit is there in proclaiming God’s name and crying out, “Lord! Lord!” while harboring a beastly nature within? How can one so impure enter the Kingdom of God unless he completely turns to God, experiences true repentance, has a contrite heart, sheds earnest tears, and receives the grace of the Holy Spirit? “But outside are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie” (Rev. 22:15). “And nothing unclean shall enter into it” (Rev. 21:27). “Remember us, O Lord, with the favour of Thy people; visit us with Thy salvation that we may see the good of Thy chosen, rejoice in the gladness of Thy nation, and glory in Thy inheritance. We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly” (Psalm 105:4-6).