Psalm 55 (54):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Although usury and deceit are not concealed, they flourish openly as wicked actions. For those who engage in wrongs within their own homes may feel shame for their misdeeds, yet in public, usury and deceit are prevalent. Usury has even achieved the status of a profession, referred to as a form of expertise; it is characterized as a necessary institution for the state, contributing revenue from its practices. Thus, what should be kept secret is readily visible in the streets. A graver form of usury exists as well, when one fails to forgive what they are owed. This ought to cause discomfort when confronted with the petition in the prayer: "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." What will you do as you approach prayer and reach that same line?

It is important to recognize that within the fulfillment of the new covenant, as well as in the practice of righteousness, covetousness is denounced and categorized alongside wrongdoing, injustice, and deceit.

In the abundant paths (within its cities) there is no shortage of allure and false praise. Each city features both expansive thoroughfares and confined passages; the broad avenues allow large vehicles to pass through and are often referred to as open or airy, while the narrower paths, intended for pedestrian travel, are known as passages. David comments that from the wide streets of Jerusalem, where commerce occurs, both prosperity and deceit do not emerge; prosperity arises because individuals there received payment in silver, albeit secretly, as the ancient statutes prohibited such earnings. Moreover, deceit persisted since both seller and buyer engaged in crafty falsehoods to mislead one another, or employed other mutual tactics.

He continues by illustrating the wickedness of the city that has inflicted suffering upon him, employing a striking metaphor to convey that sin has, like a fortified soldier, seized control of its ramparts, preventing the truth from gaining access. He describes lawlessness as a constant presence, likening it to a vigilant sentinel that surrounds the city day and night. Within its walls, only toil persists—characterized by the violence suffered by the downtrodden and the injustices perpetuated by those in power, who oppress the vulnerable without fear of retribution. Additionally, there is an abundance of deceit and flattery. This oppression manifests both overtly, as the wealthy openly demand excessive payment from the impoverished, and covertly, through a range of sly and harmful schemes aimed at tormenting them.

This psalm, penned by David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of his choirs, so that it might be sung with understanding by everyone. The essence of this psalm culminates in Christ, particularly in His holy Passion. The entire world exists in darkness, with every individual being deceitful, while the Lord's mission is to redeem the original Adam. Let us earnestly pray for God to grant us the Holy Spirit, that we may approach Him with reverence and bring to a halt the malevolent force—sin residing in our souls and bodies. He renders this salvation unfathomable to those who perpetually yearn for Him, who seek Him with hopeful hearts.