Diodore of Tarsus, Commentary on Psalm 14 (LXX)

Diodore of Tarsus, Commentary on Psalm 14 (LXX)

Written c. 370-380 CE.

Source: Hill, Robert Charles, ed. Diodore of Tarsus: commentary on Psalms 1-51. WGRW No. 9. Society of Biblical Lit, 2005. p. 45.

In his eyes every evildoer is despised, whereas he honors those who fear the Lord (v. 4): whoever abhors the wicked, even if they are very rich, while honoring those who fear the Lord, even if they are very lowly and poor, will live in honor and respect. There is therefore need to consider how in the apparent reply of God complete instruction in virtue emerges, the intention being for a person firstly to attend to piety and righteousness, then to keep one's distance from all wicked behavior, and after this not to admire the deportment of the rich if piety does not accompany wealth. On the other hand, one should have especial regard for the poor provided they did not have a change of heart for the worse as a result of poverty and instead continued to be devoted to a godly way of life. He wants such a person not to have recourse to oaths, but if at some time forced to take one, not to swear falsely; he goes on, in fact, He makes an oath to his neighbor without breaking it. He next teaches that such a person should not be greedy or given to usury, saying in fact, He did not lend his money at interest (v. 5). His further wish is that such a person should also be careful about upright behavior in giving judgment and should not be partial to bribes, his further remark being, Or take bribes against the innocent, that is, He did not accept bribes to give an adverse verdict against the innocent and condemn him. His comment on all this as though coming equally from God, He who does this will never be moved.