22. Remove from me reproach and contempt. These are painful things to tender minds. David could bear them for righteousness’ sake, but they were a heavy yoke, and he longed to be free from them. To be slandered, and then to be despised in consequence of the vile accusation, is a grievous affliction. The one who says, “I care nothing for my reputation” is not wise, for in Solomon’s esteem “a good name is better than precious ointment.” The best way to deal with slander is to pray about it: God will either remove it, or remove the sting from it. Our own attempts at clearing ourselves are usually failures. Be quiet and let your Advocate plead your cause.
For I have kept thy testimonies. Innocence may justly ask to be cleared from reproach. If there be truth in the charges alleged against us what can we urge with God? If, however, we are wrongfully accused, our appeal cannot be refused. If through fear of reproach we forsake the divine testimony we shall deserve the coward’s doom; our safety lies in sticking close to the true and to the right. God will keep those who keep his testimonies. A good conscience is the best security for a good name; reproach will not abide with those who abide with Christ, neither will contempt remain upon those who remain faithful to the ways of the Lord.
This verse stands as a parallel both in sense and position to verse 6, and it has the catchword of testimonies, by which it chimes with verse 14.
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