But to the penitent he hath given the way of justice, and he hath strengthened them that were fainting in patience, and hath appointed to them the lot of truth.21 Turn to the Lord, and forsake thy sins:22 Make thy prayer before the face of the Lord, and offend less.23 Return to the Lord, and turn away from thy injustice, and greatly hate abomination.24 And know the justices and judgments of God, and stand firm in the lot set before thee, and in prayer to the most high God.
"And do not let the abyss swallow me or the pit close its mouth around me." What does this mean? What is he praying for? The abyss of human iniquity is a great pit, and anyone who falls into it will fall very far down. However, if the one who has fallen confesses his sins to God, then the pit will not close its mouth around him. As it is written in the Psalms, "Out of the depths have I cried to you, Lord. O Lord, listen to my voice." But it is different if the disaster found in another Scripture has happened to the sinner: "One who is devoid of reverence sinks deep into sin and is defiant." The pit has closed its mouth on him. In what sense does it mean that it closed its mouth? It has plugged the sinner's mouth shut. When the sinner refuses to confess his own guilt, then he is truly dead, and it has been fulfilled in him what is said elsewhere, "A confession coming from a dead person is like one who does not exist." Brothers and sisters, we must greatly fear such a disaster. If you see someone commit a sin, consider that person as though he or she were sunk in the pit. But if, at present, you point out the person's sin and he says to you, "I have sinned. I truly confess," the pit has not yet closed its mouth on him. If instead you hear that person saying, "Is what I have done that bad?" then he has become a defender of his sin and the pit has closed its mouth. There is no way for him to be pulled back outside. Clearly if there is no confession, there is no recourse to mercy. If you defend your sin, how can God free you from it? If therefore you want him as your liberator, you must be your own prosecutor.
To David himself, understanding. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile.5 I have acknowledged my sin to thee, and my injustice I have not concealed. I said I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord: and thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin.6 For this shall every one that is holy pray to thee in a seasonable time. And yet in a flood of many waters, they shall not come nigh unto him.7 Thou art my refuge from the trouble which hath encompassed me: my joy, deliver me from them that surround me.
He caused a light to shine at the prayer of the psalmist, who said, "My Joy, deliver me from those who surround me"; this being indeed true rejoicing, this being a true feast, even deliverance from wickedness, to which a person attains by thoroughly adopting an upright conversation and being approved in his mind of godly submission toward God.
And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man running up and kneeling before him, asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting?18 And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God.19 Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, bear not false witness, do no fraud, honour thy father and mother.20 But he answering, said to him: Master, all these things I have observed from my youth.21 And Jesus looking on him, loved him, and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.22 Who being struck sad at that saying, went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.23 And Jesus looking round about, saith to his disciples: How hardly shall they that have riches, enter into the kingdom of God!24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus again answering, saith to them: Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches, to enter into the kingdom of God?25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.26 Who wondered the more, saying among themselves: Who then can be saved?27 And Jesus looking on them, saith: With men it is impossible; but not with God: for all things are possible with God.
(in Evan. tom. xv. 14) For in that He loved, or kissed himp, He appears to affirm the truth of his profession, in saying that he had fulfilled all those things; for on applying His mind to him, He saw that the man answered with a good conscience.
About CSB. A personal translation of the New Testament, rendered directly from the public-domain Greek in a literary style — not a scholarly critical edition, and not for liturgical or doctrinal authority. It is one reader's work, offered for enjoyment; where it matters, weigh it against an established translation. (Placeholder text — final wording to come.)