What is the meaning of Psalm 119:51? The arrogant - Scripture paints the “arrogant” as those who exalt themselves above God’s ways. “When pride comes, disgrace follows” (Proverbs 11:2), and “God opposes the proud” (1 Peter 5:5). - Psalm 119 often mentions this group: “The arrogant have smeared me with lies” (Psalm 119:69). They refuse humility, setting themselves against the psalm-writer and, ultimately, against God. utterly deride me - Mockery is the weapon of the proud. “We have endured much contempt from the proud” (Psalm 123:3–4). - Israel knew public scorn—“You make us a reproach to our neighbors, a derision and scorn” (Psalm 44:13)—and so did Christ, “Those who passed by hurled insults at Him” (Matthew 27:39). - Believers should not be surprised: “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). but I do not turn - The psalmist draws a line in the sand. Joshua heard a similar charge: “Do not turn from it to the right or to the left” (Joshua 1:7). - Loyalty is non-negotiable: “All this has come upon us, yet we have not forgotten You; we have not strayed from Your path” (Psalm 44:17–18). - When many disciples walked away, Peter answered, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). - True faith holds steady: “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved” (Hebrews 10:39). from Your law - The psalmist’s anchor is God’s revealed Word. “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). - In hardship the Word sustains: “If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction” (Psalm 119:92). - The law is trustworthy and sufficient: “All Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). - The result is unshakable peace: “Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165). - James echoes the call to steadfast obedience: “The one who looks intently into the perfect law…and continues in it…will be blessed” (James 1:25). summary Arrogant scoffers may heap ridicule, yet the believer refuses to budge. Confidence rests not in self, but in the unchanging Word. When proud voices deride, Scripture steadies the heart, guides the path, and supplies the courage to stand firm without turning aside. |
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