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)
