Psalms 119:22 - Meaning and Application

David prays against the shame and contempt of people, asking that it be lifted off him. The word here can also mean rolled away, which suggests that these insults had been pressing hard on him. Neither his high position nor his good character kept him safe from lies and ridicule. Some people tried to belittle him, and others tried to make him hated. It is often the lot of those who do good to be spoken against.

He also shows how heavy such words can feel. Hurtful speech does not break bones, but it can still weigh down a gentle and honest spirit. So David asks, “Lord, take this burden away from me, so I will not be driven from my duty or discouraged in it.” God has all hearts and tongues in his hand, and he can silence lying lips and lift up a good name that has been dragged through the dust. We may appeal to him as the one who defends what is right and avenges wrong, trusting his promise that he will bring our righteousness into the light (Psalm 37:6). If reproach humbles us and helps us, then even that shame will do us good until God removes it.

David also appeals to his steady loyalty to God’s word and ways: “For I have kept your testimonies.” He is not only saying that the criticism was unfair. He is also saying that he was mocked for doing what was right. He suffered reproach for God’s sake, because of his strictness and zeal in religion, and that gives him confidence to ask God to act for him. The shame of God’s people, if it is not taken away now, will soon be turned into greater honor.

He also means that the insults did not turn him away from obedience: “Lord, remove this from me, for I have kept your testimonies anyway.” If, in a time of testing, we keep our integrity, we can be sure the outcome will be good.