The
psalmist was fed up with “the contempt of the proud” (Ps. 123:4).
Perhaps you are too. People in your neighborhood, office, or classroom may be
scornful of your faith and determination to follow Jesus. Sticks and stones do
break our bones, but words can wound more deeply. In his commentary on this
psalm, Derek Kidner refers to contempt as “cold steel.”
We can
fend off the jeers of the proud by becoming like them, or we can view their
attempt to humiliate us as a badge of honor. We can rejoice that we’ve been
“counted worthy to suffer shame for [Jesus’] name” (Acts 5:41).
Better to bear shame for a short time than to endure “everlasting contempt” (Dan. 12:2).
We must
not be like the mockers by mocking them in turn, but bless those who persecute
us. “Bless and do not curse,” Paul reminds us (Rom. 12:14).
Then God may draw them to faith and repentance, and turn our moments of shame
into eternal glory.
Finally,
as the psalmist counsels us, we must “look to the Lord our God” (123:2). He
understands as no other, for He too has endured reproach. He will show
compassion to us according to His infinite mercy.
When
others’ treatment of you gets you down, look up to God. (RBC)