It is ultimately determined by God, who humbles some and elevates others.
To convey this truth more powerfully, the prophet employs an illustrative analogy. In ancient customs, the host of a feast, referred to in the Gospel as Architricleanus, would serve wine to guests, having the right to invite them to partake as they desired. The prophet likens this practice to the workings of divine Providence: God is portrayed as holding in His hands a goblet of strong and pure wine, offering it to His guests, tilting it as He wills. What does this wine represent? It symbolizes God's destinies. The Almighty, through His unfathomable plans, bestows fortune upon some nations while bringing disaster upon others. The wicked ought not to boast of their triumphs, for their time of reckoning will come to pass.
The prophet wishes to express that God's sovereignty over the nations remains inexhaustible; His Providence will never cease its workings and will not permit the existence and flourishing of nations to transpire apart from His divine intentions. The Lord communicates this to the nations, proclaiming that He has not completed His message. The prophet, filled with joy at God's declarations, expresses his enthusiasm for His providential plans, saying: "But I will rejoice forever." As a representative of his entire nation, endowed with the word of God, he proclaims both the downfall of the unrighteous and God's safeguarding of the virtuous.
Consider a person in seemingly hopeless circumstances: devoid of family, lacking benefactors, without wealth, and unable to secure their daily sustenance. To this individual, the Psalmist declares: Do not despair—your life and wellbeing do not depend on the Source, nor on the west, nor on earthly beings. God governs all creation with wisdom and will always provide a means for your deliverance from tribulation. The Lord is able to enrich you at once.
At times, we pursue important endeavors without opposition from God, yet we see no success; our efforts yield nothing. Engagements with fellow humans often prove fruitless; some may abandon their efforts, others may act half-heartedly, while some who act diligently may lack the necessary skill, and still others may outright obstruct the work. With all pathways blocked and no one to turn to for aid, it may seem that all hope is gone. Yet, help does not come from the Source, the west, or the mountains. Success is not contingent upon endless striving from morning until night, nor upon the high-ranking individuals we consult; our true help comes from the Lord. He can provide opportunities, and those who were previously opposed will, unexpectedly, offer their support, while the indifferent will find renewed diligence. The outcomes will unfold in ways that remain a mystery to humanity—as a seed quietly germinates, wilts, and finally yields delightful fruit.
Conversely, if you find yourself basking in earthly pleasures, enjoying the highest favor from above and experiencing goodwill from those around you, with your health untroubled and your storerooms abundant, it may appear that nothing could disrupt your happiness. In such times, remember the Psalmist’s words: "Lower from the exodus, lower from the west, lower from the barren mountains—but God is the Judge; He humbles one and exalts another." Therefore, do not take joy for granted, nor presume its permanence; do not ask, "Who can shatter it?" even when all seems favorable. Remember that the Lord governs the course of events, tilting the goblet of either joy or sorrow according to His divine plan. While He has thus far nourished you with streams of happiness, He may also require you to sip from a cup of sorrow. Thus, do not place your hope solely in happiness, but rather humble yourself before God and submit to His will with quiet trust. Amen.
THEOSIS