Didaskalia De nobili dicto Davidis

XXIIII. Kataskeuē Construction/Proof.
The confirmation of the proposition remains, of which this is the first argument, derived from the principal efficient cause.

There is no doubt that they will germinate like the Palm, and that they will grow with increase, just like the Cedars: finally, that they will germinate even in their old age, and be fat and green, those who have been planted by the hand of Jehovah our God.

Yet all the righteous have been sown and planted by the hand of Jehovah our God: as the Psalmist clearly affirms.

But this can also be evidently gathered from the contrary. For it is said concerning the unrighteous and their superstition: Every plant, which my heavenly Father has not planted, shall be rooted up (Matt. 15:13).

Therefore, all the righteous shall germinate, grow with increase, and even in their old age will be fat and green.

XXV. Ta peismata The arguments/persuasions.

1. Therefore, one should have good hope for all the righteous regarding the increases of divine blessing, even if the whole world rises up against them and seeks to destroy them utterly. According to the saying: For Jehovah God is a Sun and a Shield: Jehovah gives grace and glory: He does not withhold good from those who walk in integrity (Ps. 84:11).

2. However, extreme evils are to be feared by all the unrighteous, even if the world cherishes them in its bosom and, fighting against God, undertakes their defense. For it is written: Let God arise, and His enemies will be scattered: and those who hate Him will flee from before His face. As smoke is driven away, you will drive them away: as wax melts before the face of fire, the wicked will perish from the face of God (Ps. 68:1-2). Item: For our God is a consuming fire (Deut. 4:24; Heb. 12:29).

XXVI.
The second argument is led from the final cause, to which, and indeed in all ways, it is architectonic.

It is most certain that that will come to pass which makes for the praise of the glorious grace of Jehovah our God. For both the general actions of God, and especially His saving actions in the Church, tend to this: nor does the Lord do anything to His own reproach.

But if the righteous germinate, if they grow with increase, if finally they are fat and green even in old age, it all makes for the praise of the glory of God's grace.

Therefore the Psalmist says, That I may announce that Jehovah is upright, my Rock: and there is no iniquity in Him.

Wherefore it is most certain that it will come to pass that the righteous will flourish and grow: and that they will be refreshed and gladdened by the vigor of the Holy Spirit.