And if at any time we are called on to suffer reproach and shame, for Christ's sake, this may be our comfort, that he knows it. If we think well of God, and continue to do so under the greatest hardships, we need not fear but he will do well for us. The tokens of God's favour to us are enough to keep our spirits from sinking in the deepest outward troubles. Verses 13-21 Whatever deep waters of affliction or temptation we sink into, whatever floods of trouble or ungodly men seem ready to overwhelm us, let us persevere in prayer to our Lord to save us.
We need not be discouraged if our zeal for the truths, precepts, and worship of God, should provoke some, and cause others to mock our godly sorrow and deadness to the world. Christ made satisfaction for us, not only by putting off the honours due to God, but by submitting to the greatest dishonours that could be done to any man. This was fulfilled in Christ, whose brethren did not believe on him, and who was forsaken by his disciples. David complains of the unkindness of friends and relations. All our sins take rise from our foolishness. Even when we can plead Not guilty, as to men's unjust accusations, yet before God we must acknowledge ourselves to deserve all that is brought upon us. By the satisfaction Christ made to God for our sin by his blood, he restored that which he took not away, he paid our debt, suffered for our offences. Let us take care that we never do wrong then if we receive wrong, we may the better bear it. In a world where unrighteousness reigns so much, we must not wonder if we meet with those that are our enemies wrongfully. David was hated wrongfully, but the words far more fully apply to Christ. Hence we learn, when in affliction, to commit the keeping of our souls to God, that we may not be soured with discontent, or sink into despair. Verses 1-12 We should frequently consider the person of the Sufferer here spoken of, and ask why, as well as what he suffered, that, meditating thereon, we may be more humbled for sin, and more convinced of our danger, so that we may feel more gratitude and love, constraining us to live to His glory who died for our salvation. (22-29) He concludes with joy and praise.
(13-21) He declares the judgments of God.