The Enarrations, or Expositions, on the Psalms

^41. But why do You do this? Why do You hide Your face, that they may be troubled? “You shall take away their breath, and they shall fail.” Their breath was their pride; they boast, they attribute things to themselves, they justify themselves. Hide, therefore, Your face, that they may be troubled: take away their breath, and let them fail; let them cry unto You, “Hear me, O Lord, and that soon, for my spirit waxes faint: hide not Your face from me.” “You shall take away their breath, and they shall fail, and shall be turned to their dust.” The man who repents of his sin discovers himself, that he had not strength of himself; and does confess unto God, saying, that he is earth and ashes. O proud one, you are turned to your own dust, your breath has been taken away; no longer do you boast yourself, no longer extol yourself, no longer justify yourself; you see that you are made of dust, and when the Lord turns away His face, you have fallen back into your own dust. Pray, therefore, confess your dust and your weakness.