161 Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.
161 SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
161 Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
161 I've been slandered unmercifully by the politicians, but my awe at your words keeps me stable.
161 Princes persecute me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your word.
161 Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 119:161
Commentary on Psalm 119:161-168
(Read Psalm 119:161-168)
Those whose hearts stand in awe of God's word, will rather endure the wrath of man, than break the law of God. By the word of God we are unspeakable gainers. Every man hates to have a lie told him, but we should more hate telling a lie; by the latter we give an affront to God. The more we see the beauty of truth, the more we shall see the hateful deformity of a lie. We are to praise God even for afflictions; through grace we get good from them. Those that love the world have great vexation, for it does not answer what they expect; those that love God's word have great peace, for it outdoes what they expect. Those in whom this holy love reigns, will not perplex themselves with needless scruples, or take offence at their brethren. A good hope of salvation will engage the heart in doing the commandments. And our love to the word of God must subdue our lusts, and root out carnal affections: we must make heart work of it, or we make nothing of it. We must keep the commandments of God by obedience to them, and his promises by reliance on them. God's eye is on us at all times; this should make us very careful to keep his commandments.