THE FEAR OF GOD IS THE WAY TO KNOWLEDGE As psalm (110) concerns the ascension of the Lord f Glory Jesus Christ, and His sitting at the right hand of God the Father; it is followed by a group of psalms, called ‘the Alleluias’ (Psalms 111 to 118), which are, generally, although short psalms, yet they are full of vitality, capable of lifting the soul up high, of pouring on it the spirit of hope or optimism, and of drawing man’s insight away from himself, to exult in the glory of the Lord, in the greatness of His exalted works, and in His amazing care. This psalm is one of the alphabetical psalms, in which each sentence starts with a Hebrew letter, in alphabetical order. Some believe that this psalm, and many of the following ones, were used in the celebration of the Passover. It was interpreted by St. Augustine, as a symbol of the Christian Passover. The psalmist presents to us, by the spirit of praise, practical steps, to enjoy, and grow in knowledge, which everyone, even a small child, desires to have, and in which he would be happy to grow. 1- Knowledge and collective worship1 2- Knowledge and meditation in the works of the Lord2 - 6 3- Knowledge and the Word of God7 - 9 4- Knowledge and the fear of God10 1- KNOWLEDGE AND COLLECTIVE WORSHIP: Praising the Lord, with his heart, burning with fire, the psalmist certainly reacts with his people, supports, and is supported by them. For the believer has his activity in the life of his brethren; and the congregation have their activity in his life. Having pleasure in the holy congregation, worshipping Him with the spirit of love, fear, and thanksgiving, God would grant them the understanding and knowledge, with the spirit of humility, and not that of pride and boasting. “I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation” (1) As praise and thanksgiving come forth from the heart of the psalmist, he calls the people of God to join him in this angelic deed. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 2 What is the assembly of the upright, and who are their congregation, but those who fear God, and never cease to give Him thanks, even in the midst of afflictions. Unless David is faithful and simple-hearted, he would not say: “I will praise the Lord with my whole heart”, but would only say: ’… with my lips’1. (St. Jerome) “I (confess) to You, O Lord, with my whole heart”. “With my whole heart”, he means with longing and zeal, free of the worries of, and the preoccupations with this world; with the soul lifted up high, free of the bonds of the flesh. “With my whole heart”, and not just with the words, the tongue, the mouth, and even with the mind. This is the way set by Moses in the law: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your (mind)”(Deuteronomy 6: 5) Here, I believe that “confession” (or praise) means “thanksgiving”. The psalmist spent his whole life heading toward this goal, he started and ended by it. At all times, he kept giving thanks to God for the sake of His goodness toward him and others. God seeks nothing more than such a sacrifice, and such an offering, as a sign of a soul that appreciates His favors; and it is actually a slap on the face of the devil. A sign of a sound tendency of thanksgiving, is to present it to God during times of affliction and difficulties2. (St. John Chrysostom) “I (confess) to You, O Lord, with my whole heart”.” Confession” is not only of sins, but implies praise to God, in the piety of confession: The former is done with remorse and sorrow, and the later with joy; The former reveals the wound to the Physician, and the later expresses gratitude to Him, for the sake of being healed; “Confession” not only means that the person concerned is set free of all evil, but that he will separate himself from every evil situation3. (St. Augustine) 1 Homily 37 on Ps. 110 (111). 2 On Ps. 111. 3 On Ps. 111 (110). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 3 How horrible and deadly is that venom of the enemy, which would blind many, and would cast them down all of a sudden. For it, so inspires a false and a destructive impression to the soul, that it has perceived things, imperceptible by most people; and that it is superior in fasting, and in many other heroic issues; That it would tend to forget all about its own sins and faults; would, no more, address to God the healing words: “Against You, You only, have I sinned” (Psalm 51: 4); and, “I praise the Lord with my whole heart” (1); But would say what Satan said in his heart: “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14: 13). Man’s soul would be deceived and perish by the desire to have authority, high positions, gifts of learning and healing; and would be afflicted by a wound difficult to heal. (St. Mother Senkletiky) 2- KNOWLEDGE AND MEDITATION IN THE WORKS OF GOD: The great and amazing works of God proclaim the secrets of His love, wisdom, and might. Admiring God’s creation, it is befitting of us to attach ourselves to the whole loving and merciful Creator. :”The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who delight in them” (2) According to the Septuagint and the Coptic versions, it came as: “Great are the works of God, all are well searched”. What are the works of God that delight the believers? … His beautiful creation, exalted care, and rich grace. The believers would stand in awe before God’s wisdom, compassion, and might, for He is the Almighty Creator, and the all-loving Father. The great and amazing works of God, would bring forth the spirit of hope to the people to enjoy the salvation of God. According to St. John Chrysostom, the psalmist, here, says that all creatures proclaim the wisdom of God; and that He often dispenses wonders and signs for the sake of mankind. He commands fire, hail, snow, tempests (See psalm 104: 19-20) , not only to consummate what they are created to do, according to the nature given to them, but He even command them to do what contradict it; As for example: He commanded the sea, not only to refrain from drowning anyone, but to split open, to allow the children of Israel to pass through, more securely than walking on dry ground (Exodus 14: 21-22). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 4 He commanded the furnace, not only to refrain from burning the three saintly young men, but to turn for them into mild dew (Daniel 3: 50). He commanded the fierce lions, not only to refrain from devouring ‘Daniel’, but to stand guard on him (Daniel 6: 22) He commanded the great fish, not only to refrain from devouring ‘Jonah’, but to give him a safe ride to his destination (Jonah !: 17; 2: 10). He commanded the well-established earth, to split open to swallow the company of ‘Dathan’ and ‘Abiram’, who rebelled against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16: 31-32) 1. St John Chrysostom confirms that God, the Creator, out of His care for us, would let His creation work according to the nature He created them, and to respect its laws; But, at His discretion, and in certain situations, He would command them to work contrary to their nature. “His work is honorable and gracious, and His righteousness endures forever” (3) Caring for everything, big and small, even the hair of our heads are counted by Him; He lets touches of His might and splendor, be apparent on every work; and His dealings reveal His divine righteousness, that endures forever. According to St. Augustine, God’s work, full of majesty and splendor, is “justifying the ungodly” (Romans 4:5): [Man’s actions may, oftentimes, hinder this glorious work of God; but, through confessing his sins, he may be qualified to be justified … “Much is forgiven to him who loves much” (See Luke 7: 42-48); and “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5: 20). And lest man may think himself worthy to be justified by his own works; the blessed apostle Paul says: “Not of works, lest anyone should boast; for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2: 9-10) 2]. “His righteousness endures forever”. He means to say: [Do not despair, O man, however oppressed you may be, for you will get the reward of your labor, even after your departure from this world. … And you, as well, who do evil, do not rejoice, even if your life may end peacefully; for you will have to present a complete account of 1 On Ps. 111. 2 On Ps. 111 (110). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 5 your deeds, and will have to pay back the cost of your evil works…. God’s righteousness, as you see, endures forever1]. (St. John Chrysostom) As an interpretation of the verse: “His righteousness endures forever”, St. John Chrysostom says: [In case, O man, you see the good people suffer, and the wicked rejoice, in the present world, Do not be disturbed, for “His righteousness endures forever”, to the age of ages]. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion” (4) All what the Mighty One does, is so wonderful, to be always remembered by the believer; But what is truly amazing, is His compassion and mercy. Saying: “He has made His wonderful works to be remembered”; means that the wonderful works He has done in the old, for the sake of the children of Israel; and has ultimately done when He came incarnate to the world, … all will be remembered forever. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant” (5) Some believe that this psalm is sung as a praise to God on the day of Passover, and that the food here, is meant to refer to the Passover itself, but the Holy Book, by the food, as well as by the manna, the bread, and the water, often means the spiritual food, and the spiritual drink. God perpetually intends to satisfy His children, and lets them need nothing of the things of this world; and perpetually confirms His faithfulness in His promises and covenants, which He renews with His people and believers. It is an amazing and miraculous food, about which the prophet says: “He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion; He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant” (4, 5). It is the miracle of miracles, to turn the bread and wine to His holy body and blood; a spiritual food that grants life to those who fear Him; a heavenly, immortal food; the tree of life from which the believer 1 On Ps. 111. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 6 plucks living fruits, the hidden true mental manna, the medication of life, that heals the weakness and the sickness, that provides strength against the devil and sin; And at the same time, we find in it a memorandum of an eternal covenant by the Lord to provide us with life, and growth of our souls. Our Savior said: “I am the bread of life. Your father ate manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever, and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world…. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh, and drinks My blood has eternal life” (John 7: 48-54). Why does He refer here ”to those who fear Him”; as though He will feed no one but them; When He says in the gospel: “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good; and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5: 45)? … As the food to which He refers here is not the material food, but that of the soul, so he talks about those who fear Him; it only concerns them…. As you may see, the body feeds, so does the soul, as confirmed by the divine words, saying: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4: 4; Deuteronomy 8: 3). So He refers here to that kind of food, which He gives to those who fear Him: the preaching of the word, the commandment, and all the true values1. “He will ever be mindful of His covenant”. .. Here, He shows that the good things which they enjoy, are not for the sake of their own worthiness, but for the sake of the love of those who preceded them; and for the sake of His covenants with them. Hence He says: “He will ever be mindful of His covenant”. That is what the prophet Moses warned them when they enter into the promised land, not to say that what they have reached is because of their own righteousness, but it is for the sake of the covenants with their fathers. As there is nothing worse than arrogance; God keeps on warning His people against it2. (St. John Chrysostom) 1 On Ps. 111. 2 On Ps. 111. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 7 “He has given food to those who fear Him”. He fed Elijah when he was hungry; and rained manna on the Jews in the wilderness … And He will give us the bread that comes down from heaven, if we are worthy of it. Many are the martyrs who perished out of hunger (physically); but they are now with the Lord1. (St. Jerome) His oracle: “He has given food to those who fear Him”, was realized when He commanded the ravens to bring Elijah bread and meet in the morning, and bread and meet in the evening (1 King 12: 6); and when the Lord blessed the five loaves of bread and two fish, by which He satisfied the five thousand men in the wilderness (Matthew 14: 13- 21). And He was mindful of the covenant He gave through His prophets, and consummated by His apostles, who, in turn relayed it to the Gentiles, and turned them into people of God. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) We are being fed on the body and blood of Christ. (The scholar Tertullian) In the church we find the true tree of life, namely, the body and blood of Christ, about which He said: “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6: 54). (Abba Sevirius, Bishop of El-Ashmonin) They are truly good things, that will endure forever, and will never change with location nor with time2. (St. Ambrose) What would be better or of more benefit, for those who fear God, than to be given by the Lord, the Compassionate and merciful, the incorruptible food, “the bread that come down from heaven” (John 6: 27, 51), which He gives not for our own worthiness. (St. Augustine) “He has declared to His people the power of His works, in giving them the heritage of the nations” (6) 1 Homily 37 on Ps. 110 (111). 2 Flight from the World, 6: 35. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 8 From the Gentiles, who worshipped the idols, instead of glorifying the Creator, He withdrew His gifts, and gave them a heritage to His believers. The believers often experience the violence of the world against the church of God; and it so seems to them that God does not care to move to their help. Yet, in the time designated by Him, He declares to them the power of His works, and gives them the heritage of the nations. That is what the early church has actually experienced, when Saul of Tarsus kept on persecuting her by every means and everywhere; But the Lord Jesus Christ, in the designated time, turned the destructive energies of Saul into a power to work and to minister to the account of the church of Christ. 3- KNOWLEDGE AND THE WORD OF GOD: God talks to us through nature, the work of His hand, or through His Word or His commandment, as though from the same source. … There is a great difference between the theories of the scientists, that appear and disappear, to be replaced by new theories, and the Word of God that endures forever. “The works of His hands are faithful and just; All His precepts are trustworthy” (7) God never errs in His plan; His commandments, faithful and just, reveal to us His holy will, and lead all our thoughts, intentions, words, and behavior. His commands are never contradictory, nor without goal, but always faithful and trustworthy. Commenting on the words: “All His precepts are trustworthy” , St. John Chrysostom says: [Some may think of God’s commandments as carrying mere words, whether concerning rewards or punishments in the life to come. But the great flood which happened in the day of Noah, the destruction by fire of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the perdition by drowning of Pharaoh, all confirm that the commandments of God are trustworthy, and are not mere threats]. According to St. John Chrysostom, God’s commandments are trustworthy, those which He provided through the natural law (Romans 2: 14), about which the apostle Paul says: “For I delight in the law of God, accord to the inward man” (Romans 7: 22); and the written law as well, the old law which He consummated in the new covenant. That is beside the natural laws that control the whole creation. Everything that God intends to stay, will definitely stay, and will never fail; Man can do nothing without the allowance of God. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 9 The laws of God will remain with more splendor than the sun, for the benefit of those for whose sake they were set; will lead them to virtue, and not to vanity; namely, riches, and the love of authority. God’s things are all truth, by which He instructs men , not to be rich, or to succeed in projects, but to how they would enjoy the coming things. Those laws are all true and upright, and are never twisted or distorted1. Having referred to the power of His works, here he also refers to His Righteousness and authority … He deals with everything with both righteousness and compassion; For, if He does it only with righteousness (justice), everything would be lost, as it is written: “Do not enter into judgment with Your servant; For, in Your sight no one living is righteous” (Psalm 143: 2). On another aspect, if He does only with compassion, the majority of people would become slothful. That is why He uses two different ways to save and reform mankind2. (St. John Chrysostom) “They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness” (8) Many and changeable are the laws of men, and are often contradictory; Whereas the commandments and the laws of God, being the unchangeable divine truth, in harmony, upright, and eternal, they are well established, and perpetually grant comfort and security. “He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever; holy and awesome is His name” (9) The mind of the whole loving God is only preoccupied with the redemption of His people, whatever the cost may be. He saved them from the bondage of Pharaoh; liberated them from the Babylonian captivity; and all along the eras, He kept listening to their cry-outs, and sending them help. All those dealings were a shadow of the eternal salvation He realized through sending His only begotten Son to carry the sins of the whole world on the cross. The Holy, Awesome God has many titles that are short of revealing His whole unutterable, and indescribable nature. He flows with His featuresupon us, to become, in and by Him, saints, and to enjoy His awe and splendor in us. 1 On Ps. 111. 2 On Ps. 111. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 10 “Holy and awesome is His name”. As His name is “Holy”, praising Him requires holy and pure mouths1. (St. John Chrysostom) “Holy and awesome is His name”. He is holy for the saints, and terrifying to the sinners2. (St. Jerome) The redemption sent by God to His people is his beloved Son, crucified for our sake … About this, Zechariah the priest, father of St. John the Baptist, said: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people” (Luke 1: 68). He counseled us to keep His covenant, namely His statutes, to the end of time; which, if we faithfully do, we will get a non-mortal heritage. “Holy and awesome is His name”. Holy for the saints, and terrifying to the sinners. For, by this name, the apostles drove the demons away, healed the sick, raised the dead, and performed wonders. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) 4- KNOWLEDGE AND THE FEAR OF GOD: As long as we search for, and abide in the divine truth, the divine fear, and the submission with the spirit of obedience and humility, will prepare our souls for the recognition of, and walking in, the truth; and “the truth shall make us free” (John 8: 31-32) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever” (10) The true wisdom will have no place in man, unless he enjoys the fear of God. Fearing Him, the believers practice wisdom. Wisdom exhort us to walk along the way of our salvation, to enjoy the blessed life, and to have exultant depths, praising God forever. There is no wisdom in those who do not fear the Lord; Those without wisdom, are those who have no fear of God3. (St. Ambrose) Here he calls wisdom ‘work’. This ‘work’ is the fear of God, that paves the way to wisdom. But, if the law leads to the fear of God, the knowledge of the law is therefore, the beginning of wisdom. Man 1 On Ps. 111. 2 Homily 37 on Ps. 110 (111). 3 Homily 37 on Ps. 110 (111). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 11 would never be wise without a law; Those who despise the law are unwise, and are consequently counted as wicked, as it is written: “the fear of the lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1: 7) 1 (St. Clement of Alexandria) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. “the beginning?” means the (fountain), the (source), or the (foundation) … He who fears God, is full of wisdom and reason. And lest someone may assume that the essence of wisdom is not more than knowledge, he adds: “A good understanding have all those who do His commandment”. So you see that faith is not enough, unless it is bound with the way of life. He refers to wisdom, not by mere talk, but by work … What is required is not just to listen to wisdom, but to practice it as well2. (St. John Chrysostom) In few words, That is how we can ascend up to the highest level of perfection, without much effort or difficulty: The fear of God, according to the Holy Book, is the beginning of our salvation, and the beginning of wisdom. From the fear of God, will come the good remorse of the heart; … From the remorse of the heart will come the self-satisfaction, namely, despise of all possessions; …. Then, humility; … then bringing lusts to death; … then the retreat of faults; … then the setting forth and the growth of virtues; … then the acquirement of the purity of heart; that leads to the acquirement of the perfection of the apostolic love3. (St. John Cassian) He who acquires the fear of God, even if he is ignorant of everything else, he will be granted the knowledge of God and the divine truth; and will acquire the perfect and consummate wisdom4. (The scholar Tertullian) The fear of God, itself, leads to all virtues. (Father Dorotheos of Gazza) The prophet says “the wisdom”, and not the knowledge of creatures; but the knowledge of God, that begins with fearing Him, and ends 1 Stromata 2: 7. 2 On Ps. 111. 3 The Institutes, 4: 43. 4 Ad Nationes, 2. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 12 with loving Him. Understanding this knowledge is good, not for those who know it, but to those who practice it, with what conform to it. And as God is immortal, praising Him will never weaken, but will endure forever. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5: 3). In the Holy Book we read that the labor for the sake of temporal things is “all vanity”, and will lead to the ‘presumption of the spirit1; which implies rudeness, pride, and arrogance. The proud is said to be haughty in spirit; which is true, as the violent wind is called ‘spirit of tempest’. The proud is called ‘puffed-up’, according to the words of the apostle: “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies” (1 Corinthians 8: 1). Whereas the “poor in spirit” are the humble, who fear God, and have no puffed-up spirit. Blessings would not have a better beginning, as long as they are set for reaching the high wisdom “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (10); And on another aspect: “Pride is the first of sins” (Wisdom of Joshua 10: 15). Let the proud, therefore, love and search for the earthly kingdoms; But “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God” (Matthew 5: 3) 2. Notice how the teacher descends from wisdom to the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11: 2-3). But you, the learners, if you seek progress, you are committed to ascend from the fear of the Lord to wisdom, according to what is written: “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” 3. (St. Augustine) Whoever abides in this perfect love, will certainly go up to a higher level, namely, to the fear, emerging from love; which is not the fear of punishment, or of loss of the reward, but it is that kind of fear that emerges from the great love. For who is the son, in his love for his compassionate father, would not fear him (or between brothers, friends, or spouses). Yet that would not be fear of harm, but a caution against wounding the feelings of love; one partner would be cautious lest any word or behavior on his part would have a harmful impact upon their mutual love4. The greatness of such a kind of fear is حسب طبعة رومیة، أما طبعة بیروت "الكل باطل وقبض الریح" 1 2 Sermon on Mount, 1: 1: 3. 3 On Ps. 119: 2. 4 .( الترجمة الحرفیة لما ورد في النص (إش 6 :23 https://coptic-treasures.com/ 13 elaborately expressed by a prophet, saying that it is the riches of our salvation, embracing the wisdom of God and His true knowledge, that could not be kept, except through the fear of the Lord. The divine Word on the tongue of the prophet, calls, not only the sinners, but the saints as well, saying: “Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him” (Psalm 34: 9). Whoever fears God with this kind of fear, will certainly need no more perfection. It is obvious that this is the kind of fear meant by St. John the Evangelist, when he talked about the fear of punishment, saying that he who fears has not yet consummated in love, “Fear involves torment” (I John 4: 18) 1. There is a great difference between the fear that lacks nothing; “the treasure of wisdom and knowledge” (Isaiah 33: 6); “the beginning of wisdom” (10), and the fear of punishment, which is far from the hearts of those perfect in the fullness of love; For “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4: 18) 2. (Father Sherimon) According to Abba Bemen, “The fear of God teaches man all the spiritual virtues”; And, “The fear of God is the beginning and the end at the same time”. For God said to Abraham who has not withheld his only son from God, “Now I know that you fear God” (Genesis 22: 12). He also said: “It is impossible for him who truly believes, and who strives with the fear of God, to fall into the transgressions provoked by the devil”. (Paradise of the fathers) If “the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” (10); the lack of wisdom, and the denial of God, are against ‘anti-wisdom’3. (Theodoret, bishop of Arle) 1.( الترجمة الحرفیة لما ورد في النص ( 1 یو 18 :4 2 Cassia, Conference 11: 13. 3 Commentary on Ps. 14: 3. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 14 AN INSPIRATION FROM PSALM 111 MY SOUL PRAISES YOU, O LORD, FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR SALVATION With every new morning I remember Your resurrection; As though it is new mercies; That instigate in me a new knowledge of the secrets of Your love; My depths exult; As though no one would exult in You like me, a sinner; I get together with Your people; And I experience the praise by a choir of heavenlies. I confess my sins to You; And I taste the power of Your works, O Forgiver of sins; I confess to You, giving thanks for the flow of Your compassion; My soul will keep on giving thanks to You; In the midst of affliction, Your cross transfigures, and my soul exults; And in the midst of joy, I see You, Grantor of conquest; Whenever my soul bows down to praise You; My depths get filled with Your knowledge; I know You, pouring Your splendor on me. Your works are great and glorious, O Almighty Philanthropic One; Your works testify to the greatness of Your will; As You “desire all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2: 4) Your works testify to Your love, compassion, and righteousness; By Your love You embrace me, and by Your righteousness You chastise me; You are an amazing Father, who cares for my eternal salvation; Your works present to me a true knowledge. Your law and commandments present to me an exalted knowledge; Behold, Your laws move the nature for the sake of my salvation; You grant me the natural law in my depths; I have no more excuse; You present to me Your law and commandments; Your commandments are food for my soul; With them I am satisfied, and will never hunger for the temporal things; Nail Your fear in me; https://coptic-treasures.com/ 15 That I enjoy the fountain of Your divine wisdom; It grants me understanding and knowledge, with an amazing sweetness; Your wisdom direct my thoughts, emotions, and feelings; Your wisdom controls my tongue, to utter nothing unbefitting; Your wisdom grants me strength; To walk according to the spirit, and not to the body; To enjoy fellowship with You; To get filled with Your wisdom; To have an ever increasing knowledge; To have my whole being turn into a harp; Its only work is a perpetual praise; I shall praise You as long as I live; And I shall praise You when my soul sets forth to You; My praise will become my ony preoccupation, here, and in the life to come.
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