Psalms 119:51

The proud have had me greatly in derision; yet have I not declined from Thy law.

The contemptible and admirable in character

I. The contemptible. “The proud.”

1. Who are the despicably proud? Not the men who have formed a true estimate of their powers, and are nobly self-reliant, but the supercilious.

2. In the character of these men there are always two base elements.

(1) Servility. They cringe to their superiors; they are the flunkeys of society.

(2) Tyranny. Whilst they bow with a slavish spirit to those above them, they are contemptuous and despotic to those beneath.

II. The admirable. He is the true nobleman who will dare to pursue the right, regardless of the frowns or smiles of men. (Homilist.)

The Christian armed against ridicule

I. The persons who assail you. “The proud.” On the heart, which is so possessed, the Holy Spirit will not, cannot enter. Whether it be right to hearken go such a one rather than unto God, judge ye.

II. The means which they employ to draw you from the faith. “Derision.” Arguments against the truth of your religion you could have confuted; or, had you been defeated, would not have thought yourself disgraced;--but to have your judgment laughed at, the generosity of your spirit denied, your principles scorned, to be branded with the name of simple, coward, hypocrite,--alas! who is sufficient for these things?

III. The law from which they would drive you. If it be true that a revelation has been given by God to man, it is not for man to trifle in obedience. (G. Mathew, M. A.)